- Title: Hong Kong marks Communist China's birthday
- Date: 1st October 2019
- Summary: HONG KONG, CHINA (OCTOBER 1, 2019) (REUTERS) BRIDGE OVER STREET PRO-BEIJING SUPPORTERS HOLDING CHINESE NATIONAL FLAGS PRO-BEIJING SUPPORTERS ON BRIDGE (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin/English) AN UNIDENTIFIED PRO-BEIJING ACTIVIST, SAYING: "Even it's dangerous, (the police) must do it to protect Hong Kong. I love Hong Kong. I love China." PRO-BEIJING ACTIVISTS HOLDING CHINESE FLAGS ON BRIDGE CHINESE FLAG
- Embargoed: 15th October 2019 04:23
- Keywords: Hong Kong China protest ceremony
- Location: HONG KONG, CHINA
- City: HONG KONG, CHINA
- Country: Hong Kong
- Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace,Civil Unrest
- Reuters ID: LVA005AZ9K4EF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Hundreds of officials and the pro-establishment elite joined a formal flag-raising ceremony and Chinese National Day reception held behind closed doors in Hong Kong on Tuesday (October 1).
The ceremony was moved indoors and held early in the morning in a city that remains in lockdown with barricades blocking city center, shuttered stores and heavy riot police presence, as authorities scramble to ensure anti-government protests do not overshadow China's anniversary festivities in Beijing.
"Hong Kong has benefited from China's support under the 'one country, two systems' policy," Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung told the gathering, referring to guarantee of political freedom for the territory after its handover from British to Chinese rule in 1997.
Protesters have pledged to seize on the holiday to propel their calls for greater democracy onto the international stage, hijacking an occasion Beijing sees as an opportunity to showcase China's economic progress to the world.
Rail operator MTR Corp closed some flash-point metro stations, while several large shopping malls announced they would remain closed, hoping to avoid potential damage in any clashes. The government of embattled Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has already cancelled the annual October 1 fireworks display over the city's iconic Victoria Harbour, citing public safety concerns.
(Production: Xihao Jiang, Angie Teo) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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