Chinese President Xi Visits Hong Kong To Mark 25th Anniversary Of Handover

 

CNBC: China’s Xi arrives in Hong Kong in his first trip off the mainland since the onset of the pandemic 

* Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived Thursday in the special administrative region of Hong Kong, state media said. 

* The trip is for the 25th anniversary on Friday of Hong Kong’s handover to China from British colonial rule. 

* The visit marks Xi’s first travel off mainland China since the pandemic began more than two years ago. 

BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived Thursday in the special administrative region of Hong Kong, state media said. 

The trip is for the 25th anniversary on Friday of Hong Kong’s handover to China from British colonial rule. 

The visit marks Xi’s first travel off mainland China since the pandemic began more than two years ago.  

Read more .... 

Chinese President Xi Visits Hong Kong To Mark 25th Anniversary Of Handover 

China's President Xi rails against Hong Kong pro-democracy activists as he hails 'vitality' of 'one country, two systems' during visit to city to mark 25th anniversary of handover -- Daily Mail  

Xi Jinping arrives in Hong Kong for July 1 celebrations, makes first visit to city since 2017 -- HKFP  

China's president returns to Hong Kong for 25th anniversary of British handover -- ABC News

Chinese President Xi To Visit Hong Kong 25th Anniversary Event And The Swearing-In Of Chief Executive-Designate John Lee

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Hong Kong to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city's handover to China, state media Xinhua News Agency reported. © Anthony WALLACE  

SCMP: Xi Jinping to attend 25th anniversary celebrations of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese sovereignty and swearing-in of new city leader John Lee 

* State news agency Xinhua reports on Saturday morning that Xi Jinping will officiate ceremony to mark quarter-century of Chinese sovereignty over city 

* Xi will also 'inaugurate the city's sixth term government' and preside over swearing-in of Chief Executive-designate John Lee 

Chinese President Xi Jinping will officiate at the event to mark the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return from British to Chinese rule and swear in the new administration. 

State news agency Xinhua reported on Saturday morning that Xi will "attend the ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's reunification with the motherland and to inaugurate the city's sixth-term government".  

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WNU Editor: This is the first trip by President Xi outside of China since the start of the pandemic .... Xi Jinping to visit Hong Kong in first trip outside mainland China since pandemic began (CNN). 

Chinese President Xi To Visit Hong Kong 25th Anniversary Event And The Swearing-In Of Chief Executive-Designate John Lee  

Xi to attend meeting marking 25th anniversary of HK's return to motherland -- China Daily  

China's Xi to visit Hong Kong for 25th anniversary of handover -- Reuters  

Chinese leader Xi Jinping to attend Hong Kong celebration: Xinhua -- AFP  

Xi to Attend Hong Kong Anniversary Event, Lee's Swearing-In -- Bloomberg  

Hong Kong 25: China’s Xi Jinping to visit for July 1 Handover anniversary, will inaugurate John Lee -- Hong Kong Free Press

China Appoints Hard-Line Security Chief For Hong Kong

Zheng Yanxiong, the new head of Beijing’s national security office in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

BBC: Zheng Yanxiong: China appoints hard-line Hong Kong security chief

China has appointed a hard-line figure as head of its new security agency in Hong Kong.

Zheng Yanxiong is best known for his role in dealing with a protest over a land dispute in the southern Chinese village of Wukan.

The new agency, answering directly to Beijing, is being set up to enforce a draconian security law passed this week in Hong Kong.

Opponents of the law say it erodes the territory's freedoms.

The law targets secession, subversion and terrorism with punishments of up to life in prison.

Several leading pro-democracy activists have stepped down from their roles and one of them, one-time student leader and local legislator Nathan Law, has fled the territory.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I see Zheng Yanxiong's appointment as a clear sign that China is going to crack down.

More News On Hong Kong

National security law: Beijing appoints tough-talking party official Zheng Yanxiong to lead powerful new agency in Hong Kong -- SCMP
China appoints hardliner to head new Hong Kong security agency -- AFP
China names new head of national security office in Hong Kong -- Reuters
Hong Kong man accused of terrorism in first use of new China security law -- Reuters
'Liberate Hong Kong' slogan banned as protesters lie low -- The Guardian
'Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times' slogan is now illegal, Chinese Government says -- ABC News Online
Hong Kong journalists and lawyers scramble to adapt to security law -- The Guardian
National security law: Hong Kong internet firms ‘will have to comply’ with police requests -- SCMP
Hong Kong protest leader Nathan Law pledges to fight for democracy in exile after fleeing city -- CNN
As China tightens its grip on Hong Kong, people are leaving for Taiwan -- NBC
US Senate sends Hong Kong sanctions bill to Trump -- Politico
China warns US of countermeasures over Hong Kong sanctions bill -- Al Jazeera

China Approves Hong Kong Security Law

VOA: China's Approval of Hong Kong Security Law Sparks Widespread Jitters

HONG KONG - China’s legislature has passed a controversial national security law for Hong Kong that is causing widespread jitters among activists and ordinary citizens. Passage of the law has prompted several activist groups to immediately close while individuals delete social media posts out of fear that the new measures could send them to jail.

The official Xinhua news agency reported that China’s top lawmaking body, the standing committee of the National People’s Congress, adopted the measure on Tuesday and President Xi Jinping signed an order to endorse it.  Xinhua said the new measure will be added to a list of national laws that apply to Hong Kong in an annex of its mini-constitution, the Basic Law.

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WNU Editor: China and Hong  Kong are going to try and make believe that nothing has changed. But everything has changed.

More News On China Approving Hong Kong Security Law

China passes sweeping Hong Kong national security law -- CNN
China enacts sweeping national security law seen as major blow to Hong Kong autonomy -- NBC/Reuters
China's Xi Jinping signs new security legislation for Hong Kong -- Nikkei Asian Review
China passes sweeping national security laws for Hong Kong, further crushing the city's autonomy -- Business Insider
Details of China's national security law for Hong Kong unveiled -- Al Jazeera

China To Establish A National Security Office In Hong Kong

Reuters: Beijing to have sweeping powers over Hong Kong security law

BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) - China will have overarching powers over the enforcement of a new national security law in Hong Kong, according to details released on Saturday that signalled the deepest change to the city’s way of life since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

The planned law has alarmed foreign governments as well as democracy activists in Hong Kong, who were already concerned that Beijing is eroding the high degree of autonomy granted to the territory when it was handed over from British rule.

According to details released by the official Xinhua news agency, Hong Kong will establish a committee to safeguard the legislation, headed by the city’s leader Carrie Lam and supervised by the central government.

New police and prosecution units will be set up to investigate and enforce the law.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: So much for China's promise of two systems one country.

More News On China Establishing A National Security Bureau In Hong Kong

China to establish national security bureau in Hong Kong -- AP
China releases details of Hong Kong anti-sedition law -- The Guardian
China to set up 'national security agency' in Hong Kong: Media -- Al Jazeera
Factbox: China's new national security proposals for Hong Kong riddled with uncertainty -- Reuters

China Tells Hong Kong They Must Behave In Order To Keep Their Autonomy Beyond 2047

The Chinese and Hong Kong flags flutter at the office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, ahead of a news conference held by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, in Beijing, China June 3, 2020. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Reuters: Chinese official suggests Hong Kong should behave to keep high autonomy beyond 2047

HONG KONG (Reuters) - A Chinese official suggested on Monday that the degree of autonomy that Hong Kong would have when the post-colonial agreement on its status runs out in 2047 could depend on how the protest-hit city behaves until then.

Pro-democracy demonstrators have taken to the streets again in Hong Kong in recent weeks after a lull during the coronavirus epidemic, angered by Beijing’s plans to impose new security laws. Last year saw the biggest unrest in the semi-autonomous city since it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.

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Update: Want ‘one country, two systems’ to go beyond 2047? Rely on national security law to strengthen it, top Beijing official says (SCMP).

WNU Editor: This reminds me of this sarcastic saying .... "the beatings will continue until the morale improves".

China's Military Says It Is Prepared To Impose Security In Hong Kong, As More Protests Are Expected

CNN: China's military promises to uphold 'national sovereignty' as more Hong Kong protests expected

Hong Kong (CNN)China's top military commander in Hong Kong has emphasized the role of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in upholding "national sovereignty" in the city a day ahead of expected anti-government protests.

Chen Daoxiang, the PLA commander in Hong Kong, was speaking days after China announced plans to introduce a draconian new national security law which threatens many of the semi-autonomous city's civil liberties and political freedoms.

"Garrison officers and soldiers are determined, confident, and capable of safeguarding national sovereignty and development interests and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong," Chen said Tuesday, adding that the Hong Kong Garrison viewed the national security law as "conducive to deter separatist forces and external intervention."

Read more ....

More News On China's Military Saying It Is Prepared To Impose Security In Hong Kong

China is moving in with national security law as Hong Kong legislature ‘has failed to deliver,’ official says -- CNBC
China's military says it is prepared to protect security in Hong Kong, as protests grow -- The Guardian
China’s Military Chief in Hong Kong Vows to Protect Beijing’s Interests -- WSJ
China's Military Vows to 'Punish' Any Attempts to Separate Hong Kong -- Newsweek

Hong Kong Police Tear Gas Thousands Protest New Beijing Security Law

Daily Mail: Thousands of Hong Kong protesters are tear-gassed by police in first clash since Beijing announced new law to 'take full control'

* Pro-democracy demonstrators protested against Beijing's bill in Hong Kong's Causeway Bay shopping area
* The bill will ban secession, foreign interference, treason and terrorism in the semi-autonomous territory
* Hong Kong pro-democracy figures accused the Communist Party of handing freedoms a death sentence

Thousands of Hong Kong protesters have been tear-gassed by police in the first clash since Beijing announced a new law to 'take full control'.

Pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong have sharply criticized China's proposal to enact a national security law that would ban secessionist and subversive activity, as well as foreign interference and terrorism in the semi-autonomous territory.

They say it goes against the 'one country, two systems' framework that promises the city freedoms not found on the mainland.

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WNU Editor: Here comes the clampdown .... Beijing to impose Hong Kong security laws 'without delay' (The Guardian).

More News On Today's Unrest In Hong Kong

Hong Kong police fire tear gas, water cannon at protesters -- AP
Hong Kong police fire tear gas at protesters opposed to China’s security law -- France 24
Tear gas fired, arrests made as thousands protest against Beijing’s planned national security law for Hong Kong -- SCMP
Hong Kong police fire tear gas as protesters decry China security law plan -- BBC
Hong Kong: Tear gas fired as thousands protest new security law -- DW
Hong Kong police fire tear gas, water cannons at protest against proposed security law -- NBC
Hong Kong protest over proposed national security law met with tear gas -- CNN
Police fire tear gas in Hong Kong as hundreds protest against proposed national security laws -- ABC News Online
Hong Kong police fire tear gas at pro-democracy demonstrators -- The Hill
HK police fire tear gas at rally against proposed security law -- Al Jazeera

China Imposes New Security Law On Hong Kong

NBC: Hong Kong lawmaker mourns 'end of homeland' as China mulls anti-protest law

"This is the end of Hong Kong and it’s like the end of our homeland," said Tanya Chan, a legislator in the territory.

HONG KONG — Pro-democracy legislators in Hong Kong on Friday hit back after Beijing introduced a new national security law that could limit protests and dramatically reduce the territory's autonomy.

"This is the end of Hong Kong and it’s like the end of our homeland," Tanya Chan, a member of Hong Kong's Legislative Council, said at the start of China's annual National People's Congress in Beijing, where the bill was set to be discussed.

"I recall the time when I was young, and I believed in 'one country, two systems,' and I believed we were going to showcase to the world that Hong Kong people can rule Hong Kong," she added. "But now, I'm not yet 50 years old and suddenly all is gone."

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WNU Editor: Hong Kong as we know it has changed. I expect China will be moving very quickly to do this .... China looks to set up national security agencies in Hong Kong (Financial Times). More here .... China paves way for security agencies to set up in Hong Kong (Irish Times).

Update: I can guarantee this is going to happen .... Hong Kong activists call for protest after China vows stronger security enforcement (France 24).

More News On China Imposing A New Security Law On Hong Kong

China's Premier Li Keqiang pledges to 'ensure national security' in Hong Kong and Macau -- ABC News Online
Chinese security forces could be deployed in Hong Kong under new law -- The Guardian
Hong Kong plunges more than 5% as Beijing plans to impose new security laws -- CNBC
Two Sessions 2020: Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam vows ‘full support’ for national security law and promises city’s freedoms will remain unaffected -- SCMP
Beijing Says Imposing a National Security Law in Hong Kong Is Necessary. Democracy Activists Call It 'the Saddest Day' in City History -- Time
Hong Kong security law: What is it and is it worrying? -- BBC
Opinion: Beijing flexing its muscle in Hong Kong -- Dang Yuan, DW
China's proposed security law: A death sentence for Hong Kong? -- William Yang (Taipei), DW
What does Beijing’s new national security law for Hong Kong cover, and who should worry? -- Jeffie Lam and Kimmy Chung, SCMP

China's Top Leaders Continue To Support Hong Kong’s Embattled Chief Executive Carrie Lam

Carrie Lam met President Xi Jinping for the second time in two months. Photo: Pool

SCMP: China’s leaders praise Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam over handling of protest crisis, but remind her she has yet to quell violence

* President Xi Jinping says chief executive has stood firm on principle of ‘one country, two systems’
* Premier Li Keqiang earlier says Lam has Beijing’s backing, but warns she must tackle ‘deep-rooted conflicts and problems’

China’s top leaders on Monday assured Hong Kong’s embattled Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor of their full support as they praised her courage and commitment in the face of relentless anti-government protests, but also reminded her that she had yet to accomplish her most pressing task – ending the violence that has gripped the city for more than half a year.

Meeting Lam on the second occasion in two months, this time during her third duty visit to the capital, President Xi Jinping noted that Hong Kong’s situation this year was the most critical and complicated since it returned to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Beijing is not happy with what is happening in Hong Kong, and their support of Hong Kong’s embattled Chief Executive Carrie Lam is tepid at best. But they are not going to replace her (for now).

More News On China's Top Leaders Continuing To Support Hong Kong’s Embattled Chief Executive Carrie Lam

China's Xi vows support for Hong Kong leader during 'most difficult' time -- Reuters
China’s Xi: Hong Kong had its ‘grimmest’ year since handover -- AP
Beijing Backs Hong Kong Leader Despite Election Setback -- The New York Times
Xi says Hong Kong facing 'most difficult' time since handover -- DW
Xi Jinping vows unwavering support to Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam -- CGTN

China Sets Up A Crisis Center On The Mainland Side Of Hong Kong

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk after Lam took her oath, during the 20th anniversary of the city's handover from British to Chinese rule, in Hong Kong, China, July 1, 2017. REUTERS/Bobby Yip/File Photo

Reuters: Exclusive: China sets up Hong Kong crisis center in mainland, considers replacing chief liaison

HONG KONG/SHENZHEN, China (Reuters) - Tightening control over efforts to manage the upheaval in Hong Kong, the Chinese leadership has set up a crisis command center on the mainland side of the border and is considering replacing its official liaison to the restive semi-autonomous city, people familiar with the matter said.

As violent protests roil Hong Kong, top Chinese leaders in recent months have been managing their response from a villa on the outskirts of Shenzhen, bypassing the formal bureaucracy through which Beijing has supervised the financial hub for two decades.

Ordinarily, communications between Beijing and Hong Kong are conducted through a Chinese government body: the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong. The Liaison Office is housed in a Hong Kong skyscraper stacked with surveillance cameras, ringed by steel barricades and topped by a reinforced glass globe.

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WNU Editor: My position on China has not changed since the start of these protests. As long as the city administration stay loyal and the police keep control of the protesters, Beijing will not deploy their security forces.

China Threatens Retailiation Against The U.S. After The U.S. Senate Passed A Bill Backing Protests In Hong Kong

Japan Times/Bloomberg: U.S. Senate passes bill backing protests in Hong Kong, drawing China's ire

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday aimed at supporting protesters in Hong Kong and warning China against a violent suppression of the demonstrations — drawing a rebuke from authorities in Beijing.

China reiterated Wednesday a threat to impose unspecified retaliation if the bill became law and urged the U.S. to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs. Separately, the city’s government expressed “extreme regret” over the bill, saying it would negatively impact relations between Hong Kong and the U.S.

The Senate measure would require the State Department to certify annually whether Hong Kong remains sufficiently autonomous from Beijing to justify special trade privileges, as well as protect U.S. citizens from rendition to China through measures including sanctions on mainland officials.

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Update #1: China uses a coded message for WAR to warn the US to stay out of Hong Kong affairs after Washington passed democracy act to support the city's anti-government protests (Daily Mail)
Update #2: China Threatens Retaliation After US Senate Passes Hong Kong Bill; Stocks, Yuan Tumble (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: The U.S. Senate bill was passed unanimously. This bill will still need to be reconciled with the House before it is sent to the President to be signed. But since both bills are almost similar, I would not be surprised if this is done very quickly. After it is signed and made into law is when President Trump and his diplomats will need to work very hard to placate Beijing. I personally do not think they are going to succeed, and the Chinese will not move forward on any trade deal until the situation in Hong Kong is resolved.

Chinese Soldiers On The Streets Of Hong Kong

Daily Mail: Chinese soldiers are seen on streets of Hong Kong for the first time: People's Liberation Army helps 'clean up' after thousands launch latest furious protests that saw barricades erected by students

* Troops on the streets may enrage protesters and stoke more controversy over Chinese-ruled territory's status
* Clashes with police increasingly violent, and China has warned any attempt at independence will be crushed
* By late afternoon, the soldiers had left the streets outside Baptist University, which neighbours their barracks
* Up to 12,000 troops believed to be based across Hong Kong - more than double the usual garrison number

China's People's Liberation Army soldiers in shorts and t-shirts made a surprising appearance on the streets of Hong Kong on Saturday, helping residents clean up debris and barricades after anti-government protests blocked roads.

The presence of PLA troops on the streets, even to help clean up roads near their base, could enrage protesters and stoke further controversy over the Chinese-ruled territory's autonomous status.

Up to 12,000 soldiers are now believed to be based across Hong Kong - more than double the usual garrison number, foreign envoys and security analysts estimate.

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WNU Editor: The official excuse is that they are on the streets to clean the debris from past demonstrations .... China's PLA soldiers seen helping clean up streets after Hong Kong protests: RTHK (Reuters). The real purpose is to send a message to the protesters that Chinese troops are nearby.

More News On Chinese Soldiers On The Streets Of Hong Kong

PLA soldiers sent onto streets of Hong Kong for first time since protests began – to help clear roadblocks near Kowloon Tong garrison -- SCMP
Chinese troops join Hong Kong cleanup as protesters retreat -- AP
Personnel emerge from PLA barracks in Hong Kong to help clean-up -- AFP
Mainland Chinese Soldiers Take to Hong Kong Streets for First Time During Protests -- The Wall Street Journal
PLA Soldiers Join in Cleanup of City Streets: Hong Kong Update -- Bloomberg
Chinese army help clear protest debris at Hong Kong Baptist University -- Hong Kong

Chinese Presdient Xi Issues Another Warning To Protesters In Hong Kong

AFP: China's Xi warns Hong Kong protesters jeopardise 'one country, two systems'

China's President Xi Jinping warned Thursday that protests in Hong Kong threaten the "one country, two systems" principle governing the semi-autonomous city that has tipped into worsening violence with two dead in a week.

Hong Kong has been ruled by a unique system guaranteeing greater freedoms than on the mainland since its handover from British rule to China in 1997.

But protests, which began against a now-shelved extradition bill to China, have spiralled into wider calls for democracy and police accountability as violence and demonstrations roil the city, challenging Beijing's authority.

For a fourth straight day on Thursday, protesters caused widespread disruption with barricades and rallies, as the police drafted in reinforcements and the government denied rumours of an imminent curfew.

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Update: Second death in Hong Kong protests as Xi demands end to violence (The Guardian).

WNU Editor: This is another warning from President Xi to Hong Kong's protesters, and I predict that it will be ignored.

Is China About To Intervene In Hong Kong?

Bloomberg: Worsening Hong Kong Violence Could Embolden Hawks in Xi’s China

For two nights last weekend, Hong Kong lawmaker Lam Cheuk-Ting slept on a fold-out mattress on the floor of his office in the Legislative Council and ate congee delivered by his staff.

One of seven pro-democracy lawmakers who faced arrest for disrupting a legislative meeting in May to stop a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China, Lam challenged police to enter the complex and arrest him. They never did, and he voluntarily attended a court hearing on Monday without being detained like the others.

He took the drastic measure to resist what democracy advocates in Hong Kong see as a growing crackdown on elected leaders, one he fears could get even worse as the protests become more violent. Many are worried that Beijing may exert its authority over the city to postpone district council elections set for Nov. 24 or even bypass Hong Kong’s legislature to pass controversial national security legislation.

Beijing’s “strategies are very clear,” Lam, a former corruption investigator, said at his Legco office after his court hearing. “They’re trying to adopt the hard line approach.”

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WNU Editor: As long as the Hong Kong government stays loyal to China (which they are), and the Hong Kong police do not abandon their posts (they are still there), Beijing will not intervene in the foreseeable future.

Chinese President Xi Expresses His Support Of Hong Kong’s Leader Carrie Lam

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who is in Shanghai for the second China International Import Expo, on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

SCMP: China’s Xi Jinping meets Hong Kong leader, backs Carrie Lam’s ‘hard work’ amid protests

* Xi express support for Lam’s effort but says priority is still to curb violence and stop chaos in Hong Kong during talks in Shanghai
* Meeting the first for the two leaders since Hong Kong unrest broke out in June

Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed “high trust” in Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor in a meeting with Lam on Monday in Shanghai and “fully affirmed” the chief executive’s response to unrest that has rattled the city since June, according to official media.

The formal sit-down was the first official meeting between the two since anti-government protests
began in early June, sparked by the now-withdrawn extradition bill.

Read more ....

More News On Chinese President Xi Expressing His Support Of Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam

Hong Kong leader says she has Xi’s backing to tackle unrest -- AP
Xi voices 'high degree of trust' in Hong Kong leader over unrest -- AFP
China's Xi Jinping meets Carrie Lam in 'vote of confidence' amid Hong Kong protests -- ABC News Online
China's Xi reiterates support for Hong Kong leader in Shanghai meeting: Xinhua -- Reuters
Xi supports Hong Kong's Lam at meeting -- UPI
Xi Jinping's message to Hong Kong: You're stuck with Carrie Lam -- CNN

Report: Beijing Is Considering Replacing Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam By March

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam

CNBC: Beijing reportedly developing plan to replace Hong Kong’s leader by March

* Beijing is considering replacing Hong Kong’s controversial chief executive, Carrie Lam, by March, the Financial Times reports.
* The newspaper quotes people familiar with the deliberations and says there are two leading candidates for the post.
* Chinese leadership would like the situation to stabilize so it is not seen as giving in to protesters when it replaces Lam, the Financial Times says.

The Chinese government is developing a plan to replace Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam with a possible successor who could be installed by March, reports the Financial Times, quoting sources.

The newspaper quoted “people briefed on the deliberations,” who said if Xi Jinping, China’s president, moves forward on replacing Lam, her successor would remain in place until the end of her term in 2022, and not necessarily stay on for a full five-year term afterwards.

The sources said the leading candidates to replace Lam are Norman Chan, who formerly headed the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has been financial secretary of the territory and chief secretary for administration. Tang is the son of a textile magnate.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Why wait to March?

Chinese Soldiers In Hong Kong Are Now Warning Protesters

Riot police detain a protester during an anti-government rally in central Hong Kong, China October 6, 2019. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Reuters: Chinese soldiers in Hong Kong warn protesters as emergency rules fail to quell unrest

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Chinese soldiers issued a warning to Hong Kong protesters on Sunday who shone lasers at their barracks in the city, in the first direct interaction with mainland military forces in four months of anti-government demonstrations.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) garrison in Kowloon district warned a crowd of a few hundred protesters they could be arrested for targeting its troops and barracks walls with laser lights.

One officer shouted through a loudhailer in broken Cantonese - the main language of Hong Kong - “Bear consequences for your actions.”

The stand-off with the PLA came after rallies attended by tens of thousands of protesters earlier on Sunday ended in violent clashes in several locations. Police fired tear gas and baton-charged the crowds, while some demonstrators threw bricks and petrol bombs at police as night fell.

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Update #1: Warning flag spotted at Chinese army barracks in Kowloon Tong as protests escalate across Hong Kong (HKFP)
Update #2: Chinese military issues warning to Hong Kong protesters amid clashes as tens of thousands defy face mask ban (The Telegraph)

WNU Editor:  These warnings are only going to motivate the protesters to focus their attention on these Chinese garrisons.

China Doubles Troop Deployment In Hong Kong. Prepares For A 'Worst-Case Scenario'

Reuters: China quietly doubles troop levels in Hong Kong, envoys say

There are now up to 12,000 Chinese troops in Hong Kong, diplomats tell Reuters. Among them: members of the People’s Armed Police, a paramilitary force that answers to Xi Jinping. If China moves to put down protests in the city, they will likely do the job.

Last month, Beijing moved thousands of troops across the border into this restive city. They came in on trucks and armored cars, by bus and by ship.

The state news agency Xinhua described the operation as a routine “rotation” of the low-key force China has kept in Hong Kong since the city’s handover from Britain in 1997. No mention was made of the anti-government protests that have been shaking the metropolis since June.

It was a plausible report: China has maintained a steady level of force in the territory for years, regularly swapping troops in and out. And days earlier, according to an audio recording obtained by Reuters, embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had told local businesspeople that China had “absolutely no plan” to order the army to put down the demonstrations.

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WNU editor: China is prepared for a worst case scenario in Hong Kong. And what is the worst case scenario? It is riots erupting throughout Hong Kong and a complete collapse of Hong Kong's security forces and police, and all of this happening tomorrow on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

More News On China Doubling Its Troop Deployment In Hong Kong

China Doubles Troop Presence in Hong Kong as Protests Turn Violent --US News and World Report
Chinese troop presence in Hong Kong doubled: report -- The Hill
Police warn of 'violent' attack in Hong Kong on key Chinese anniversary -- The Hill
China Doubles Troop Deployment In Hong Kong As It Braces For A "Worst-Case Scenario" -- Zero Hedge

Is Beijing 'Playing The Long Game' In Hong Kong

Hong Kong anti-government protesters have shown no sign of backing down despite increasingly violent confrontations with police (AFP Photo/Lillian SUWANRUMPHA)

AFP: Beijing's Hong Kong dilemma: 'Play long' or send troops?

China is facing tough choices over how to tackle months of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong: hold dialogue with protesters, play the long game or send in troops.

The protesters have shown no sign of backing down despite increasingly violent confrontations in which Hong Kong's police have used water cannon, tear gas and rubber bullets -- and even fired live warning shots.

In a leaked audio recording this week, the semi-autonomous city's leader Carrie Lam apparently sought to reassure businesses that Beijing "has absolutely no plan to send in the PLA (People's Liberation Army)".

But hours later Beijing again sent mixed signals about how it might ultimately handle the crisis, saying it will "never sit idly by" if the situation further deteriorates.

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WNU Editor: Beijing will not authorize any talks with the protesters. It sets a precedent that regions in China itself will then start to demand and fight for. But as long as the Hong Kong government supports Beijing, and the Hong Kong police obey orders, Beijing is taking the "wait and see" approach. But in my mind there is no doubt about one thing. If Hong Kong was not an important and critical economic asset to China, Beijing would have ordered the para-military forces in to crack skulls and imprison thousands a long time ago.