Hong Kong

World News

Hong Kong May Ban Face Masks By Invoking Colonial-Era Emergency Powers

11:42am October 03, 2019

by Bill Chappell

It would be the first time in half a century that a chief executive has used those powers. News reports of the possible action emerged days after police shot a pro-democracy protester in the chest.

Pedestrians wait to cross a road in front of a floral installation celebrating the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in Beijing. Streets have been cleaned and security increased before the Oct. 1 holiday.

World News

At 70, People's Republic Of China Faces Economic And Political Headwinds

9:23am September 30, 2019

by Emily Feng

This year's Golden Week celebrations mark China's Communist Party rule surpassing the longevity of the Soviet Union. But Beijing is being buffeted by an economic slowdown and dissent in Hong Kong.

Protesters flash their smartphone lights as they stage a rally at Edinburgh Place in Hong Kong on Friday. This weekend marks five years since the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement formed.

World News

Hong Kong Braces For Massive Weekend Protests

1:51pm September 27, 2019

Saturday marks five years since the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement formed and leads up to the 70^th anniversary of the People's Republic of China next week.

Graph showing twitter activity from banned accounts in the last year.

World News

China Used Twitter To Disrupt Hong Kong Protests, But Efforts Began Years Earlier

10:17pm September 17, 2019

Social media networks banned hundreds of thousands of accounts last month. In NPR's assessment of the data, telling details begin to depict large disinformation campaigns.

High school students wearing masks hold placards that read "Five key demands are indispensable" as they continue their school boycott in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

World News

Hong Kong Government Withdraws Extradition Bill, A Key Demand Of Protesters

8:04am September 04, 2019

by Emily Feng

Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced she is withdrawing the proposed law, which had set off protests now entering their fourth month. Protesters' demands, however, have grown in number.

Riot police fire tear gas at protesters in Hong Kong on Aug. 25.

World News

Police Bear Brunt Of Public Anger As Hong Kong Refuses To Accept Protesters' Demands

8:06pm August 30, 2019

by Anthony Kuhn

One of the main results of the Hong Kong government's strategy has been to put a huge burden on the city's police force, diverting the public's anger at the government onto the constabulary.

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Joshua Wang speaks to protesters outside of police headquarters in Hong Kong on June 21.

World News

Hong Kong Democracy Demonstrators Arrested A Day Ahead Of Planned March

10:28pm August 29, 2019

by Emily Feng

The group Demosisto said Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong were arrested early Friday morning. Police also confirmed the arrest of activist Andy Chan.

Students and others gather during a demonstration in Hong Kong on Thursday.

World News

In Hong Kong, Moderate And Radical Protesters Join Forces To Avoid Past Divisions

8:46am August 25, 2019

by Anthony Kuhn

In 2014, Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement was beset by divisions. Now various protest factions are working together. "If either one gets hurt, we feel the other's pain," says a moderate lawmaker.

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Demonstrators try to pull down a smart lamppost during the protest in Hong Kong on Saturday that turned violent. The smart lampposts are raising fears of stepped-up surveillance from authorities.

World News

Violence Returns To Hong Kong As Police Fire Tear Gas And Protesters Fight Back

4:02pm August 24, 2019

by Gabriela Saldivia

Pro-democracy demonstrators barricaded roads with bamboo and hurled bricks at authorities. They also tore down "smart lampposts" they fear are being used for surveillance by authorities in China.

Li Ka-shing speaks at a news conference in Hong Kong last year. The nonagenarian tycoon purchased full-page ads in local newspapers warning against violence — but at least one scholar of Chinese language sees a secret message of support for the proteste

World News

Did A Hong Kong Tycoon Hide A Protest Message In His Innocuous Newspaper Ads?

6:09pm August 22, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

The ads by Li Ka-shing, a billionaire known as Hong Kong's richest man, seem to express bland sentiment. But at least one scholar says they secretly sound a note of support for the protest movement.