HONG KONG (Reuters) – Thousands of pro-democracy protesters thronged the streets of Hong Kong early today, ratcheting up pressure on the pro-Beijing government that has called the action illegal, with both sides marking uneasy National Day celebrations.
There was little sign of momentum flagging on the fifth day of a mass campaign to occupy sections of the city and to express fury at a Chinese decision to limit voters’ choices in a 2017 leadership election.
That was despite widespread fears that police may use force to move crowds before the start of celebrations marking the anniversary of the Communist Party’s foundation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The crowds have brought large sections of the Asian financial hub to a standstill, disrupting businesses from banks to jewellers.
Overnight thunder, lightning and heavy rain failed to dampen spirits as protesters sought shelter under covered walkways, while police in raincoats and hats looked on passively nearby. At dawn today, protesters awoke to blue skies.
Riot police had used tear gas, pepper spray and baton charges at the weekend to try to quell the unrest but tensions have eased since then as both sides appeared prepared to wait it out, at least for now.
Protests spread from four main areas to Tsim Sha Tsui, one of the city’s most popular shopping areas for mainland Chinese, which would normally do roaring trade during the annual National Day holiday.
Underlining nervousness among some activists that provocation on National Day could spark violence, Hong Kong University students made an online appeal not to disturb the flag-raising ceremony that began at 8 am (midnight GMT).
