Hong Kong Protests Grow Over Demands for Reforms
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PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images(HONG KONG) — The pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong is showing no signs of receding as demonstrators continued filling the streets Tuesday to protest Beijing’s attempt at quashing reforms.
At issue is mainland China’s determination to run its own candidate in Hong Kong’s 2017 leadership election with most in the financial hub of seven million demanding open nominations.
Up to now, Chinese soldiers have not intervened as demonstrators are condemning what they say are heavy-handed tactics by police that include tear gas and billy clubs.
Massive protests are rare in Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997. However, fears are growing that Beijing is increasingly trying to wield more influence in what has long been an autonomous city.
If Beijing doesn’t respond by Wednesday, leaders for reform say they will announce new civil disobedience rules.
Meanwhile in Washington, White House press secretary Josh Earnest urged Chinese authorities to “exercise restraint,” adding, “The United States supports universal suffrage in Hong Kong” and residents should have “a genuine choice of candidates.”
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