Hong Kong
Hong Kong police carry out mass arrest of protesters
By Ben McGrath, 11 September 2020
The conditions for the heightened attack on democratic and social rights have been created by the pro-capitalist opposition pan-democrat bloc.
Hong Kong authorities arrest opposition legislators in further crackdown
By Ben McGrath, 1 September 2020
Behind the string of detentions, the real fear motivating the authorities is a united movement of the entire Chinese working class.
Hong Kong delays legislative elections amid crackdown on democratic rights
By Ben McGrath, 3 August 2020
Beijing is driven above all by fears that renewed protests in Hong Kong could spread to the mainland.
US takes punitive measures against China over Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 11 July 2020
Washington’s increasingly shrill campaign is part of a US confrontation across the full range of issues—diplomatic, economic and military—that are leading to war.
British government ramps up campaign against China
By Jean Shaoul, 3 July 2020
The Tories’ aim is to open another front in US imperialism’s economic, diplomatic, and military-strategic offensive that threatens military war against the world’s second largest economy.
Beijing passes anti-democratic security law for Hong Kong
By Ben McGrath, 2 July 2020
While Beijing has concerns about imperialist intrigues in Hong Kong, its chief fear is that unrest in the city over democratic and social rights will spill over the border into the rest of China.
Trump escalates anti-China campaign
By Peter Symonds, 30 May 2020
US President Trump dramatically escalated his reckless anti-China campaign yesterday, making clear that a dangerous confrontation between the two countries is all but inevitable.
US sets stage for anti-China sanctions over Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 28 May 2020
The determination by the US secretary of state that Hong Kong is not autonomous from Beijing is a further step in the Trump administration’s accelerating anti-China campaign.
US exploits Hong Kong protests for anti-China campaign
By Peter Symonds, 27 May 2020
Once again, US imperialism is using the banner of “human rights” to advance its economic and strategic interests.
Hong Kong arrests prominent pan-democrat activists
By Ben McGrath, 25 April 2020
Washington is attempting to exploit the arrests to further whip up tensions with Beijing and paint China as a threat.
India: Punjab government teachers protest against privatisation; Sacked Sri Lankan government workers demonstrate; New Caledonia miners strike against long hours
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
15 February 2020
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
India: 10,000 Karnataka midday-meal workers strike indefinitely; Tahiti workers strike against Macron’s pensions “reforms”
Workers Struggles: Asia, Australia and the Pacific
8 February 2020
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.
One million march in Hong Kong on New Year’s Day
By Ben McGrath, 3 January 2020
To develop a genuine struggle for democratic rights, workers, students and young people must break the bonds that have been placed on the movement by various factions of the capitalist class.
Pro-Beijing parties suffer heavy defeat in Hong Kong district elections
By Peter Symonds, 2 December 2019
The victory of the so-called pro-democracy camp also revealed widespread alienation from the major pan-democrat parties, which continue to hold political sway, however, in the absence of a socialist alternative.
Trump signs Hong Kong “democracy” bill
By Nick Beams, 29 November 2019
Entitled the “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act”—and passed by the US Congress with only one dissenting voice, making it veto-proof—the legislation has nothing to do with either.
The lessons of the Hong Kong protests for the working class
By Peter Symonds, 26 November 2019
In the absence of a turn to the working class throughout China based on a socialist and internationalist perspective, the Hong Kong protest movement is being corralled behind various pro-capitalist organizations.
Hong Kong police lay siege to university occupied by demonstrators
By Ben McGrath, 19 November 2019
The ramping up of police violence is a precursor to even more violent methods of suppressing the months-long protest movement.
Chinese soldiers appear on Hong Kong streets for first time since protests began
By Ben McGrath, 18 November 2019
The use of PLA troops to clear roadblocks in Hong Kong is a thinly veiled threat that the Chinese military could be used to violently suppress the protest movement.
Hong Kong protests defy police violence and mass arrests
By Mike Head, 13 November 2019
Escalated police attacks appear to have reinforced the popular support for the protests, setting the stage for an even-more bloody confrontation.
Beijing looks to end Hong Kong protest movement
By Ben McGrath, 8 November 2019
Youth and students fighting to defend democratic rights in Hong Kong must turn to the international working class as their only allies in this struggle.
As protests continue, Hong Kong’s economy lurches into recession
By Peter Symonds, 29 October 2019
The deteriorating economy is not only being compounded by the protests, but is itself one of the driving forces behind the mass demonstrations.
Trump backs China’s handling of Hong Kong protests
By Peter Symonds, 14 October 2019
Trump’s comments demonstrate that US imperialism, far from defending democratic rights, cynically and selectively exploits “human rights” as the means for prosecuting its own interests.
Hong Kong’s chief executive invokes emergency law against protest movement
By Ben McGrath, 5 October 2019
The use of this British colonial era law is a warning that the ruling class in the Hong Kong and Beijing are preparing to suppress the months-long demonstrations for basic democratic rights.
Hong Kong’s chief executive launches phony dialogue platform
By Ben McGrath, 26 September 2019
While different sections of the bourgeoisie are cautious of appearing too close to Lam, all are looking for a way to shut down the protests.
Hong Kong protesters: Turn to the Chinese working class, not US imperialism
By Peter Symonds, 9 September 2019
Any turn to the United States plays directly into the hands of Beijing, which seeks to malign the Hong Kong protests as the work of radical agitators and the “black hand” of Washington.
Hong Kong administration seeks to split protest movement
By Peter Symonds, 5 September 2019
By withdrawing the extradition legislation, chief executive Carrie Lam is seeking the support of conservative protest leaders to pave the way for the suppression of more militant layers.
Tens of thousands join first day of Hong Kong protest strike
By Peter Symonds, 3 September 2019
The union confederation is doing all it can to limit action by workers and confine their demands to those of the official pro-capitalist opposition in Hong Kong.
Two-day strike begins in Hong Kong following weekend of protests
By Ben McGrath, 2 September 2019
Fearful of the intervention of the working class, authorities are stepping up their repression of protesters.
Hong Kong mass rally banned as Chinese troops deployed in show of force
By Mike Head, 30 August 2019
Beijing is well aware that the protracted protests are being driven by underlying student and working class concerns about escalating social inequality.
Hong Kong protests continue into twelfth week
By Peter Symonds, 26 August 2019
Clashes with police took place involving for the first time the use of water cannon as well as tear gas and batons as police attempted to disperse protesters.
How to fight for democratic rights in Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 22 August 2019
Hong Kong workers and youth need to reach out to their class brothers and sisters in China who confront the same class enemy—the Stalinist regime in Beijing that defends the interests of the corporate elite and the super-rich.
Hundreds of thousands again take to Hong Kong’s streets
By Peter Symonds, 19 August 2019
Underlying the protests is mounting frustration with the city’s glaring social inequality and the lack of welfare services, affordable housing and job opportunities.
As China masses troops on border, Trump calls for end to Hong Kong “problem”
By Mike Head, 16 August 2019
The US president solidarised himself with his Chinese counterpart in the “tough business” of dealing with social unrest.
Hong Kong protests met with denunciations and threats
By Peter Symonds, 14 August 2019
The muted response to the threats of Chinese intervention reflects fear in ruling circles internationally that events in Hong Kong could be replicated in cities around the world.
Protest sit-in shuts Hong Kong international airport
By Peter Symonds, 13 August 2019
The closure of the world’s eighth biggest airport, following on from last week’s general strike, marks a significant deepening of the political crisis in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong protests continue into a tenth week
By Peter Symonds, 12 August 2019
Protests yesterday took place in a number of different places in Hong Kong, with riot police using tear gas and batons.
General strike signals entry of working class into Hong Kong protests
By Peter Symonds, 7 August 2019
The mass protests in Hong Kong, which have continued for more than two months, are part of the resurgence of the working class internationally.
Tens of thousands of workers strike throughout Hong Kong
By Ben McGrath, 6 August 2019
The ruling class throughout the world is deeply fearful of the spread of social discontent as the working class moves into open struggle for its democratic and social rights.
General strike by Hong Kong workers against extradition law
By Peter Symonds, 5 August 2019
The strike signals the entry of the working class, on a class basis, into the mass protest movement, pointing to the underlying social and economic issues driving the opposition.
Protests in Hong Kong continue despite escalating police violence
By Ben McGrath, 29 July 2019
The participation of workers at Hong Kong’s airport on Friday is an indication of the broader support for the protests in the working class.
Beijing raises prospect of military intervention in Hong Kong
By Ben McGrath, 26 July 2019
Beijing ultimately fears that the growth of working class anger will fuel similar mass protests throughout China.
Gang members attack Hong Kong protesters
By Ben McGrath, 23 July 2019
Beijing and local authorities are fearful that the Hong Kong protest movement will spread to the mainland and are employing increasingly violent means against it.
Hong Kong protests continue amid clashes with police
By Ben McGrath, 16 July 2019
The Hong Kong and central governments are incapable of addressing the real concerns for democratic rights and social equality that are driving the protests.
Hong Kong protesters appeal to mainland Chinese for support
By Ben McGrath, 9 July 2019
The unity of the Chinese working class as a whole is a prerequisite for the struggle for democratic rights and social equality.
Hong Kong protests continue amid Beijing’s veiled threats of military intervention
By Ben McGrath, 6 July 2019
In an unusual move, China’s military reported on drills the day after another mass rally.
Hundreds of thousands protest on the streets of Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 2 July 2019
Mass protests have persisted, despite the suspension of the extradition legislation, pointing to a deeper social and political crisis.
Further Hong Kong protests planned against extradition law
By Peter Symonds, 20 June 2019
The widespread opposition reflects deep fears that the bill, which will allow extradition proceedings to mainland China, will enable Beijing to seize political dissidents.
Millions march in Hong Kong against extradition law
By Ben McGrath, 17 June 2019
The huge demonstration on Sunday is an indication of widespread anger in Hong Kong, not only over democratic rights, but the city’s worsening social crisis.
Hong Kong extradition bill debate delayed as additional protests called
By Ben McGrath, 14 June 2019
None of the demands for democratic rights in Hong Kong or throughout China will be won through the “pan-democratic” opposition parties or by appeals to US imperialism.
Police crackdown against Hong Kong protesters opposing extradition bill
By Ben McGrath, 13 June 2019
Beijing fears the spread of the protests into China, as social inequality and tensions rise in both Hong Kong and the mainland.
Mass protests erupt in Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 10 June 2019
The fight for democratic rights in Hong Kong will go forward only to the extent that it turns to and champions the struggles of the Chinese workers for their democratic and social rights.
Beijing bars two Hong Kong legislators from taking their seats
By Peter Symonds, 8 November 2016
The Chinese regime fears that advocacy of independence for Hong Kong will fuel separatist movements in other parts of the country including Tibet and Xinjiang.
Separatist candidates win seats in Hong Kong election
By Peter Symonds, 8 September 2016
The new “localist” parties represent layers of the Hong Kong ruling elite who regard Beijing’s dominance as an impediment to their business interests.
Hong Kong protest falls short of expectations
By Ben McGrath, 7 February 2015
The small turnout was a reflection of the political dead-end into which so-called pro-democracy leaders steered last year’s weeks-long protest movement.
Hong Kong police shut down protests
By Peter Symonds, 12 December 2014
The dismantling of the Admiralty protest site effectively marks the end of 11 weeks of protests over the framework for Hong Kong’s 2017 election.
UK and China clash over Hong Kong
By Julie Hyland, 4 December 2014
A significant section of the ruling elite in Washington and London are using the dispute over Hong Kong’s status to encourage the dismemberment of China.
Hong Kong protest leadership divided after police clashes
By Peter Symonds, 3 December 2014
Riot police violently broke up an attempt by protesters to surround the government headquarters in central Hong Kong.
Police crack down on Hong Kong protest site
By Peter Symonds, 27 November 2014
Police cleared protestors from Mong Kok with a massive show of force that resulted in the arrest of at least 148 people.
Standoff continues between Hong Kong government and protesters
By Peter Symonds, 1 November 2014
There are signs of growing concern in Beijing over the Hong Kong chief executive’s inability to end the month-long protests.
Hong Kong protests continue after televised debate
By Peter Symonds, 22 October 2014
The discussion between government officials and protest leaders reached no agreement on the framework for the 2017 election for chief executive.
Police clash with Hong Kong protesters
By Peter Symonds, 15 October 2014
Having taken no action against the protests last week, the Hong Kong government is now seeking to dismantle the protest sites, step by step.
Hong Kong protests swell after talks called off
By Peter Symonds, 11 October 2014
Protest leaders threaten to escalate their actions unless the government responds to their demand for full and open elections in 2017.
Hong Kong protests dwindle ahead of talks
By Peter Symonds, 9 October 2014
Talks tomorrow are unlikely to reach any agreement, but have already served the government’s purpose in defusing the protests.
Hong Kong government issues ultimatum to protesters
By Peter Symonds, 6 October 2014
While refusing to end the protests, the student leaders eased the blockade of government buildings and held initial talks with administration officials.
Hong Kong protests ebb
By Peter Symonds, 4 October 2014
Protesters came under attack from thugs who took advantage of growing public frustration over the disruption to daily life.
Hong Kong chief executive seeks to defuse protests
By Peter Symonds, 3 October 2014
In his effort to end the protests, Leung had the support of sections of the official opposition that are just as fearful as Beijing of spiralling social unrest.
Student leaders threaten to escalate Hong Kong protests
By Peter Symonds, 2 October 2014
The pressing social issues facing working people in Hong Kong find no expression in the demands advanced by the parties and organisations dominating the protests.
Mass protests continue in Hong Kong
By Peter Symonds, 1 October 2014
The tense standoff continues after Hong Kong’s chief executive ruled out any compromise and protesters ignored his demand to clear the streets.
Hong Kong police crackdown on protests
By Ben McGrath, 29 September 2014
The Occupy Central organization has stepped in to ensure that the protests remain limited to the narrow demand for open chief executive elections.
Hong Kong students protest Beijing’s decision on 2017 election
By Ben McGrath, 24 September 2014
Students are demanding that Hong Kong citizens elect their own officials directly, without interference from Beijing.
Hong Kong protests denounce Beijing’s anti-democratic plans
By Ben McGrath, 3 September 2014
While granting “one person, one vote,” Beijing will retain effective control of the 2017 election for Hong Kong’s chief executive by closely vetting candidates.
China protests British and US interference in Hong Kong
By John Chan, 28 September 2013
Britain and the US are provocatively exploiting the issue of democratic rights in the territory to exert pressure on China.
Sham election in Hong Kong reveals sharp social tensions
By John Chan, 30 March 2012
The outcome of chief executive “election” was largely determined by backroom manoeuvres in collusion with Beijing.
Hong Kong: A tale of two cities
By Jean Shaoul, 17 March 2011
Social discontent in Hong Kong has been fuelled by a sharp rise in home prices and rents, which have doubled in the last five years.
Budget that enriches financial elite sparks protest in Hong Kong
By Jean Shaoul, 17 March 2011
Protestors took to the streets in downtown Hong Kong on March 6 to oppose the government’s budget, which will further enrich the financial elite.
Hong Kong: Two social worlds in one city
By our reporter, 9 March 2010
Behind Hong Kong’s glitz and glamour lies one of the most grotesquely unequal societies in Asia and the world.
Hong Kong enters recession
By John Chan, 21 November 2008
Hong Kong, one of Asia’s most important financial centres, officially slid into recession on November 14.
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