Thousands of protesters have taken over the Hong Kong airport, and people are worried about a potential showdown between China and the pro-democracy supporters.
For the second day in a row, protesters shut down the airport, one of the world’s busiest, leading to more than 160 flight cancellations.
Tension peaked late Tuesday night when protesters clashed with riot police that were trying to disperse the demonstrations. Although the sit-ins were peaceful until then, a viral video showed protesters swarming a police officer following the escalation.
The demonstrators’ demands are clear: the resignation of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam; the complete withdrawal of the extradition bill; retraction of the word “riot” to describe the protests; an unconditional release of all arrested protesters with all charges dropped; an independent inquiry into police violence; and a free election via universal suffrage.
China is starting to ramp up pressure on the protesters by describing the demonstrations in harsher terms. On Monday, it went as far as to say that the “first signs of terrorism” are starting to show.
All eyes are now on China for what happens next: Although Beijing has yet to deploy the army, it’s been conducting military practices near the border, which many see as a threat that could have deadly consequences.
Read More:
- https://www.apnews.com/a4ad41c1f940459f810111ddc2eea825
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49324822
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/12/world/asia/hong-kong-airport-protest.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/13/what-do-the-hong-kong-protesters-want
- https://www.vox.com/2019/8/13/20803644/hong-kong-airport-protests-canceled-flights-police-standoffs
- https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-says-hong-kong-protests-show-first-signs-of-terrorism-11565604635
