Hong Kong | Thousands of Hong Kong protesters on Sunday chanted
the US national anthem and called on President Donald Trump to
"liberate" the Chinese-ruled city, the latest in
a series of demonstrations that have gripped the territory for
months.
Police stood by as protesters, under a sea of umbrellas
against the sub-tropical sun, waved the Stars and Stripes and placards
appealing for democracy after another night of violence in the 14th week of
unrest.
Protesters waved American flags
during a march on Sunday after another night of violence in the 14th week of
unrest. AP
"Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong," they
shouted. "Resist Beijing, liberate Hong Kong."
US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Saturday urged China to
exercise restraint in Hong Kong, a former British colony which returned to
Chinese rule in 1997.
Mr Esper made his call in Paris as police in Hong Kong
prevented protesters from blocking access to the airport and fired tear gas for
a second night running in the densely populated district of Mong Kok.
“With the US locked in a trade war
with China at this point in time, it’s a good opportunity for us to show (the
United States) how the pro-China groups are also violating human rights in Hong
Kong and allowing police brutality," said Cherry, 26, who works in the
financial industry, as protesters marched towards the nearby US Consulate.
"We want the US administration to help protect human
rights in Hong Kong.”
Hong Kong returned to China under a "one
country, two systems" formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the
mainland. Many Hong Kong residents fear Beijing is eroding that autonomy.
China denies the accusation of meddling and says Hong Kong
is an internal affair. It has denounced the protests, accusing the United
States and Britain of fomenting unrest, and warned of damage to the economy.
Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam recently announced concessions
aimed at ending the protests, including formally scrapping a hugely unpopular
extradition bill which ignited the unrest in June. Many protesters said it was
too little, too late.
The bill would have allowed the extradition of people to
mainland China to stand trial in courts controlled by the Communist Party. Hong
Kong has an independent judiciary dating back to British rule.
But the demonstrations have long since broadened into calls
for more democracy, and many protesters have pledged to fight on.
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