Hong Kong

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.