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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Mattha Busby (now), Martin Farrer and Naaman Zhou (earlier)

Hong Kong protester shot in chest as China National Day demos intensify – as it happened

Closing summary

We will now bring our coverage of today’s events in Hong Kong to a close, as protests and riots go on into the night.

  • Hong Kong police shot an 18-year-old protester with live ammunition, marking a major escalation in the use of force against demonstrators.
  • Protests called to mark a “national day of grief” saw tens of thousands of people demonstrate across the city in defiance of a ban on the protests in what was the most widespread show of public anger towards Beijing yet.
Protesters carry a banner referring to the song Glory to Hong Kong on Tuesday.
Protesters carry a banner referring to the song Glory to Hong Kong on Tuesday. Photograph: Laurel Chor/Getty Images
  • 51 people – aged 11 to 75 – were confirmed to have been injured during the protests, as of 8pm local time. Two were in a critical condition while another two are in a serious condition, according to the Hospital Authority
  • Authorities confirmed that one of the critically injured was in Queen Elizabeth hospital, after reports said the 18-year-old who was shot had been transferred there.
  • Protesters staged pitched battles with police as the demonstrations descended into riots in places, with government buildings stormed and businesses perceived to be pro-Beijing targeted.
  • Protesters were ordered to leave the legislative council complex, though it remained unclear what happened inside the building.
  • The UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab said the use of live ammunition was disproportionate, and joined the EU in calling for de-escalation.
  • Hong Kong police have previously caused severe injuries with rubber bullets and beanbag rounds, including to the eyes of a protestor and a journalist. However until today, they had only fired live rounds in warning.

Here is our latest report from Hong Kong.

Thanks for joining us.

The Legislative Council secretariat has now lifted the red alert that it issued earlier (see 10.41am). It is unclear exactly what happened but it is clear that protesters entered the building.

In July, hundreds of protesters broke into Hong Kong’s legislature and sprayed graffiti on the walls.

The UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said that the use of live ammunition by Hong Kong police was disproportionate after a teenage demonstrator was shot.

He said in a statement:

Whilst there is no excuse for violence, the use of live ammunition is disproportionate, and only risks inflaming the situation.

This incident underlines the need for a constructive dialogue to address the legitimate concerns of the people of Hong Kong. We need to see restraint and a de-escalation from both protesters and the Hong Kong authorities.

Just over a kilometre away from Sham Shui Po, several more rounds of tear gas have been shot in Mongkok, near the Prince Edward station.

The area in the vicinity of the station has been the flash point of protests over the past month due to a rumour that people died during a police attack on protesters on August 31.

People shouted the popular slogan “Reclaim Hong Kong! Revolution of our era!” as tear gas was fired, before they opened umbrellas behind a make shift barricade and retreated. Someone threw a petrol bomb as protesters formed a defence line.

“Hong Kongers, go!” they shouted, before another round of tear gas was fired.

The Hong Kong police force have issued a new statement condemning the ongoing rioting across the semi-autonomous state.

Rioters continue to damage public properties and buildings extensively across Kowloon, Hong Kong Island and the New Territories. This poses a serious threat to public peace and order.

Rioters have damaged the government offices in multiple districts, smashing up glass panes and facilities. Another group of rioters have stormed various MTR stations and damaged facilities therein.

Rioters even hurled numerous petrol bombs into train compartments in Tsuen Wan MTR station, and onto platforms in Tai Wai MTR station. Such acts seriously disrupt railway system. Some rioters attempted to burn light poles and ATMs, seriously endangering public order.

Appallingly, some rioters beat up bystanders in different districts, taking the law into their own hands. The police warn all rioters to stop all illegal acts and express the strongest condemnation against all violent acts of rioters.

The police are conducting dispersal and arrest operations in various districts in Hong Kong. Due to the dangerous situation, the Police appeal to all members of the public to stay in safe places and stay tuned to the latest situation.

UK-based charity Hong Kong Watch have condemned the shooting earlier as an “appalling escalation of police brutality” and highlighted how journalists have been intimidated. It also called on the UK government to consider measures to defend the rights of people in Hong Kong.

It said in a statement:

On 1 October 2019, a police officer fired a live round at a protestor at close range, leaving the young man in a critical condition. This is an appalling escalation of police brutality which demands a robust response from the British government and the wider international community. There were widespread protests across Hong Kong on Tuesday, as the as the Chinese Communist Party marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, with confrontations taking place across the city between protestors and the Hong Kong police.

During one of these confrontations, a police officer shot the young Form Five student from point blank range with a live bullet. Although Hong Kong Watch does not support or condone the violence of a minority of protestors in these confrontations, the police response was grossly disproportionate.

This incident is part of a wider cycle of police brutality. A recent Amnesty International report confirms “an alarming pattern of the Hong Kong Police Force deploying reckless and indiscriminate tactics” in their arrests, as well as beating and torturing people in detention. The intimidation of the press in recent weeks is also unacceptable.

A journalist for an Indonesian-language publication was recently shot with a rubber bullet, despite the journalist not being in the vicinity of protestors and being clearly identifiable as a member of the press. The Foreign Correspondent’s Club report that over the weekend journalists were hit by tear gas canisters and rubber bullets, targeted with pepper spray, verbally threatened by the police, and blocked from documenting the arrests of protestors.

Hong Kong Watch calls on the United Kingdom government to consider measures which can be taken to defend the rights and freedoms of people in Hong Kong. The integrity of the Sino-British Joint Declaration is gravely threatened, and the government should consider every available means to stand with people in Hong Kong. This should include extending the rights of BNO passport holders; extending Magnitsky sanctions to officials who have committed abuses of human rights; and establishing a ‘contact group’ at the United Nations of like-minded countries to act collectively to defend the rights and freedoms of Hong Kongers.

The protests have endured in Sham Shui Po, where a banner reading “When dictatorship is a fact, revolution becomes a duty” lays across the street.

Nearby, fireworks are let off into the air by protesters saying this is “the true National Day for Hongkongers.”

Updated

51 people confirmed injured today

The government information service has told the Guardian that 51 people – aged 11 to 75 – have been injured today during the protests, as of 8pm local time. Two are in a critical condition while another two are in a serious condition, according to the Hospital Authority.

It confirmed that one of the critically injured was in Queen Elizabeth hospital, after reports said the 18-year-old who was shot had been transferred there.

Updated

The latest photos we have as the demonstrations and disorder go on into the night.

A man is detained by police during clashes in the Wanchai district in Hong Kong.
A man is detained by police during clashes in the Wanchai district in Hong Kong. Photograph: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters trash a local government office during a demonstration in the Sham Shui Po area of Hong Kong.
Protesters trash a local government office during a demonstration in the Sham Shui Po area of Hong Kong. Photograph: May James/AFP/Getty Images
People walk past a vandalised Starbucks cafe in Wanchai district in Hong Kong.
People walk past a vandalised Starbucks cafe in Wanchai district in Hong Kong. Photograph: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Black-clad protestors stand near burning tires in Hong Kong.
Black-clad protestors stand near burning tires in Hong Kong. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP
Pro-democracy protesters standoff with police during a demonstration in Wong Tai Sin district.
Pro-democracy protesters standoff with police during a demonstration in Wong Tai Sin district. Photograph: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters react to tear gas fired by riot police in the Sham Shui Po district of Hong Kong.
Protesters react to tear gas fired by riot police in the Sham Shui Po district of Hong Kong. Photograph: May James/AFP/Getty Images
A protester sets fire to the Chinese national flag in the Sha Tin district.
A protester sets fire to the Chinese national flag in the Sha Tin district. Photograph: Isaac Lawrence/AFP/Getty Images

As celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Communist party go on into the night, pro-Beijing politician Junius Ho Kwan-yiu – who is currently in the Chinese capital – has called for emergency laws to restore order in Hong Kong.

In a statement carried by SCMP, he said:

It is the National Day of the People’s Republic of China today. All Chinese and decent people are supposed to be celebrating this great day and the great achievements of our motherland joyously together.

I am terribly saddened by all the riotous events that have happened at various places in Hong Kong today. Police were attacked and forced to defend themselves with side arms.

My office was damaged by mobsters for the third time. It is already clear that such a trend of violence is escalating and damages to the district offices of several of my colleagues have also been inflicted. It seems there is no sign of this coming to an end until the government is determined to clamp down and call for emergency measures under Cap 241 - the Emergency Regulations Ordinance.

I hereby urge our [chief executive] to take prompt action to introduce all necessary means to restore law and order, and hence peace in Hong Kong.

BuzzFeed journalist Rosalind Adams has tweeted about the intimidation she was subject to while she was reporting earlier.

The number of people admitted to hospital is rising and there are now 31 confirmed injured, including two men in critical conditions and one in a serious condition, the SCMP quoted the Hospital Authority as saying.

There are reports of a hit and run in Sham Shui Po, amid ongoing attempts to disperse protesters from outside a police station.

Photos circulating show paramedics attending to somebody who was apparently hit by a taxi.

Updated

As protests go on into the night, police senior superintendent Yolanda Yu Hoi-kwan has said the officer that shot an 18-year-old man with a live round did so because he “felt his life was under serious threat”.

She said in a video posted on Facebook:

At about 4pm, a large group of rioters attacked police officers near Tai Ho Road, and they continued with their attack after officers warned them to stop. As an officer felt his life was under serious threat, he fired a round at the assailant to save his own life and his colleagues’ lives.

The round hit an 18-year-old, and the area near his left shoulder was injured, and he was conscious when taken to Princess Margaret Hospital.

The police force really did not want to see anyone being injured, so we feel very sad about this. We warn rioters to stop breaking the law immediately, as we will strictly enforce the law.

However, Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor director Law Yuk-kai has said the officer acted inappropriately.

“The officer should de-escalate the tension instead of raising the danger level,” he told the SCMP. “Now he is blaming his wrong judgment on others to legitimise [the shooting].”

Updated

As it approaches 8pm local time, fires have been lit in the streets in Tuen Mun, an out-of-town western district where protesters have been heard shouting: “Reclaim Hong Kong! Revolution of our era”.

Elsewhere, in Fortress Hill, buses are being searched

Updated

The fire service have put out a fire at Tai Wai metro station, before protesters trashed the building.

In their first statement in four hours, the Hong Kong police force have advised the public to not go outside due to rioting.

A British politician, the Liberal Democrat chief whip Alistair Carmichael, has urged the UK government to not “stand silently by” after the shooting of a protester by police today.

It is absolutely heart-breaking and unacceptable that a protestor has been shot while calling for their democratic rights and freedoms. The situation is abhorrent. The UK government must not stand silently by and let this happen.

We have a moral and legal duty to the people of Hong Kong. The Chinese government have clearly reneged on the Joint Sino-British Declaration: there is absolutely no denying that.

Liberal Democrats will continue to demand that the Conservative government hold the Chinese government to account on the promises made during the handover, bring an end to these repressive scenes, and secure an independent investigation into the violence in Hong Kong.

Meanwhile, the European Union has called for de-escalation and restraint.

“In light of the continuing unrest and violence in Hong Kong, the European Union continues to stress that dialogue, de-escalation and restraint are the only way forward,” EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic told reporters.

Updated

More than one-third of the MTR’s 91 stations have now reportedly been closed, after Long Ping station was confirmed to have shut, as the intensifying protests bring Hong Kong ever closer to a standstill.

In a statement, the Transport department said that the MTR train service has been adjusted “due to public activities”.

It confirmed Long Ping station was closed and trains would not stop at that station

“Train service on Ma On Shan Line and Tsuen Wan Line is suspended,” the statement read. “Prince Edward to Yau Ma Tei, HKU, Sai Ying Pun, Central to Causeway Bay, Diamond Hill to Lok Fu, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, East Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan West, Yuen Long, Siu Hong and Tuen Mun stations are closed and trains will not stop at these stations.”

Updated

Public broadcaster Radio Television Hong Kong has withdrawn all of its reporters from the ground after one of its journalists was hit in the head by a projectile.

RTHK reported:

The male reporter suffered a wound above his right eye and was treated by first aiders before being helped to an ambulance to be taken to hospital.

He had been covering the protest in the Sham Shui Po area throughout the afternoon, which included a government building getting vandalised and attempts to throw Molotov cocktails at the area’s police station. The journalist said he wasn’t sure what struck him.

Earlier in the day, a female reporter from the station said a riot police officer had pointed a shotgun right at her at the intersection of Queensway and Queens Road East.

With journalists from other media outlets also getting splashed by a corrosive liquid while covering the clashes, RTHK’s English News And Current Affairs unit decided it was no longer safe for its reporters to be on the streets during the National Day protests.

Further reporting on the day’s events was being carried out from the station’s newsrooms.

Fires are being lit in the streets at Causeway Bay on Hong Kong Island as a water cannon truck approaches. amid a standoff between protesters and police.

The SCMP reports that it has been told at least 30 protesters have been arrested on Hong Kong Island so far today.

Updated

Two videos posted online appear to depict the shooting and its aftermath in Tsuen Wan. AFP have described the events:

Some half a dozen riot police can be seen clashing with around 12 masked protesters, some of whom were using umbrellas and metal poles to strike the officers.

One officer runs into frame with his sidearm drawn.He kicks a protester before firing at near point black range into the chest of a protester with a metal pole in his hand. An gunshot can be heard as the pistol rears upwards.

The protester stumbles backwards and then falls over a police officer who has been knocked to the ground as the rest of the demonstrators run away.

A second video, filmed by Hong Kong University’s Campus TV, showed the same incident from a different angle.

Footage filmed shortly afterwards by local broadcaster Stand News showed police officers treating the prone man who had an oxygen mask on his face and his t-shirt cut open, traces of blood on his chest.

Paramedics later arrived on scene and placed the man, who was conscious, on to a stretcher.

Updated

Police are now charging at protesters in Wong Tai Sin district after businesses were vandalised.

Updated

The SCMP reports that the protester shot earlier was a form five student, suggesting he is no older than 18.

He is being transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei, which has the nearest cardiothoracic surgery centre, a source told the paper.

Updated

Police confirm pro-democracy protester shot in chest by officer - report

Hong Kong police have said a pro-democracy protester was shot in the chest by officer during clashes today, the Associated Press report.

A police source separately told AFP: “An officer discharged his firearm after coming under attack and a protester was struck in the chest in Tsuen Wan district today.”

The wounded protester received initial first aid from officers before paramedics arrived and took him to hospital, according to the source.

Updated

There are tense scenes in Hennessy Road as police deploy water cannons and make arrests.

Updated

'Most widespread unrest in nearly four months' - report

This is the latest from Reuters:

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at pro-democracy protesters throwing petrol bombs in the Asian financial hub on Tuesday as its Chinese rulers celebrated the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic.

Cat-and-mouse clashes spread from the upmarket district of Causeway Bay to the Admiralty area of government offices on Hong Kong island. Violence also spread across the harbour to Kowloon and beyond to the New Territories in the most widespread unrest in nearly four months.

The South China Morning Post and television reports said at least one person was wounded in the chest by police firing live rounds. Police did not respond to requests for comment but have said they fired live rounds into the air in previous clashes.

Fifteen people were wounded, one critically, the Hospital Authority said without giving details. Police fired water cannon and volley after volley of tear gas to disperse protesters throwing Molotov cocktails outside central government offices in the Admiralty area and ordered the evacuation of the Legislative Council building next door.

Police said “rioters” had used corrosive fluid in Tuen Mun in the west of the New Territories, “injuring multiple police officers and reporters”. No details were immediately available.

SCMP’s Rachel Cheung reports that a protester has been hit by a car in an apparent hit and run.

Police have used tear gas to disperse protesters who were digging up the Tuen Mun light rail tram tracks, in an out-of-town district in the New Territories.

They are now retreating after police charged at them from two directions amid the sound of gun shots, as protesters threw objects back at police.

Elsewhere, in Shatin, police have fired tear gas and charged at protesters who set fires alight fires on a main street.

Updated

The Hospital Authority has told South China Morning Post that 15 people have been injured today, including one who is in a critical condition at Princess Margaret Hospital.

The newspaper now appears to have confirmed a man was shot earlier, and have quoted a friend saying they were in a critical condition.

SCMP report that two lawyers have arrived at the hospital to offer legal counsel to the man who was shot in the chest. His family arrived shortly after, and were escorted by lawyers to consult doctors about his condition

A video is circulating which appears to show a man being shot at extremely short range.

Updated

Protesters ordered to leave legislative council complex

The Hong Kong government has demanded people leave the legislative council complex immediately.

“The Legislative Council (“LegCo”) Secretariat issued a Red alert at 3:55 pm today (1 October),” it said in a statement. “All persons are required to evacuate the LegCo Complex immediately under safe circumstances.”

Earlier, police backed by a water cannon truck which deployed blue dye outside the government’s headquarters attempted to prevent protesters advancing to Beijing’s liaison office after they threw molotov cocktails.

It followed reports that protesters were working to unlock doors believed to lead into the legislative council complex.

Updated

Quartz’s Mary Hui is on the ground in Wanchai, where protesters are dispersing after riot police moved in.

Labour party legislative council member Fernando Cheung is followed and pushed by police in Admiralty.

The latest photos we have from Hong Kong.

Police use blue dyed water to disperse anti-government protesters.
Police use blue dyed water to disperse anti-government protesters. Photograph: Vincent Thian/AP
Tear gas floats in the air.
Tear gas floats in the air. Photograph: Susana Vera/Reuters
Motorbikes are on fire after they were hit with a molotov cocktail.
Motorbikes are on fire after they were hit with a molotov cocktail. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters
An anti-government protester sets up a barricade at the entrance of Admiralty Station.
An anti-government protester sets up a barricade at the entrance of Admiralty Station. Photograph: Susana Vera/Reuters
Protesters set fire to a local government office.
Protesters set fire to a local government office. Photograph: May James/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-government protesters vandalise an MTR station.
Anti-government protesters vandalise an MTR station. Photograph: Kin Cheung/AP

In a major escalation in their use of force, police appear to have hit a protestor with a live round for the first time.

The protestor was injured in the chest; video shared by local Standnews website apparently showed him begging for medical help as he bled on the street. “Send me to hospital, my chest is hurting. I need to go to hospital”.

Hong Kong police have previously caused severe injuries with rubber bullets and beanbag rounds, including to the eyes of a protestor and a journalist. However until today, they had only fired live rounds in warning.

The police have been criticised by Amnesty International for excessive use of force on protestors

Reports of the number of live rounds fired today have grown to five, as details of the shootings emerge. Clearly, we are seeing an escalation of both the protesters’ methods and the police response.

Separately, a video is circulating which shows a woman being slapped as she is held to the ground by police.

Updated

Protester shot in the chest by 'live round'

Crowds have fallen silent at Admiralty, after reports that a protester was shot with a live round. The South China Morning Press has quoted an unnamed source who said a man was shot in the chest by a live round fired by police on Hoi Pa Street, Tsuen Wan.

Photos circulated online show officers and first aiders attending to him.

Updated

Police fire warning shots amid clashes

The South China Morning Post reports that at least two warning shots were fired by police on Sha Tsui Road in Tsuen Wan and Yau Ma Tei, outside Kwong Wah Hospital.

Dozens of police have formed a security ring, backed by a water cannon truck deployed with blue dye, a round outside the government’s headquarters, to prevent protesters from advancing after they threw molotov cocktails.

Updated

Protesters have torn down a national day banner and set it on fire as tension rises in Hong Kong.

Updated

The Hong Kong Free Press has reported that protesters are working to unlock doors which are believed to lead into the legislative council complex and government headquarters, after they were forced out on Sunday.

Anti-government protesters march towards the Legislative Council on Tuesday.
Anti-government protesters march towards the Legislative Council on Tuesday. Photograph: Susana Vera/Reuters

This is the latest from the Associated Press::

Riot police have fired tear gas to disperse pro-democracy protesters in several districts in Hong Kong amid multiple rallies challenging the Chinese Communist Party as it marks its 70th year of rule.

Dozens of police officers formed a security cordon, backed by a water cannon truck, to prevent protesters from advancing to Beijing’s liaison office in the city.

Battles between hundreds of black-clad protesters and police occurred in multiple locations, turning streets into battlefields. Police fired multiple rounds of tear gas at the Wong Tai Sin, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Tuen Mun areas as protesters hurled gas bombs, bricks and other objects in their direction.

Police said protesters used corrosive fluid in Tuen Mun, injuring officers and some reporters. The city was already under tight security, and more subway stations were shuttered as the violence spread.

Earlier, protesters paved the streets of central Hong Kong with fake bank notes they usually use at funerals, tossing wads of them into the air as they marched in black.

The notes, many marked “Hell Bank Note,” were a vivid expression of what many protesters say feels like a day of mourning for them as Communist leaders in Beijing celebrate 70 years in power.

Like outsized confetti, tens of thousands of the notes covered a broad thoroughfare where a vast and swelling crowd tens of thousands strong marched, shouting “Fight for freedom.”

Protesters brought shopping bags full of giant wads of the notes and passed them out in the crowd. Marcher Ray Luk said as he and his mother tossed notes into the air, “The leaders who won’t listen to our voice, this is for them.”

In the crowd, a protester also blew a bamboo trumpet traditionally heard at funerals and weddings, leading the crowd as it sang “Glory to Hong Kong,” an anthem of the protests.

Updated

Ceremonial “joss paper” used in memory of those who died for democracy flutters around a protester wearing a V for Vendetta mask during a demonstration in the Sham Shui Po district.
Ceremonial “joss paper” used in memory of those who died for democracy flutters around a protester wearing a V for Vendetta mask during a demonstration in the Sham Shui Po district. Photograph: May James/AFP/Getty Images

Updated

Around 3pm, protesters found that some riot police were hiding inside the closed Wanchai metro station and started throwing objects into the station.

People jeered at riot police who occupied the footbridge outside the police headquarters. Protesters spray painted slogans on tram stops, along with shops perceived as pro-Beijing.

‘Give me democracy or give me death’
‘Give me democracy or give me death’ Photograph: Verna Yu/The Guardian

There are 18 metro stations now closed, according to reports.

Updated

Reporting for the Guardian, Verna Yu has been speaking with protesters on Hong Kong island, the site of the main protest.

“It’s national day but there’s nothing to be happy about in HK,” says a 17-year-old protester. “We’re under one party rule and the Communist party controls our government. They suppress all opposition voices.”

Elsewhere, in Tuen Mun, police have been attacked by demonstrators.

Police have issued a statement condemning the violence. “Rioters have used corrosive fluid in Tuen Mun area, injuring multiple police officers and reporters.”

Nearby, police have fired tear gas after protesters threw petrol bombs, according to the South China Morning Press.

Updated

Hello everyone, this is Mattha Busby picking up the blog from my colleagues Martin Farrer and Naaman Zhou in Australia, on the 70th anniversary of Communist China’s founding.

It is just after 3pm local time in Hong Kong, where thousands of protesters have been marking the “Day of Grief” in defiance of a police ban.

Officers have fired tear gas and used “appropriate force” to disperse demonstrators on Lung Cheung Road in Wong Tai Sin, and people have been warned to leave the sites of protests “to leave the scene as soon as possible”.

This is from AFP:

Police fanned out across Hong Kong on Tuesday in a bid to deter pro-democracy protests as the city marked communist China’s 70th birthday, with local officials watching a flag-raising ceremony behind closed doors because of security concerns.

Authorities ramped up security checks ahead of the anniversary and announced the closure of more than a dozen subway stations as officers conducted stop and searches in the streets and on public transport.

The international finance hub is on edge as protesters vow to overshadow Beijing’s festivities, stepping up their nearly four months of protests pushing for greater democratic freedoms and police accountability.

Sunday witnessed some of the most sustained clashes in weeks between police and hardcore protesters.

Activists have called for people to hit the streets for a “Day of Grief” - although police banned a proposed rally through the city.

In a vivid illustration of the political insecurity now coursing through Hong Kong, city officials watched a morning harbourside flag-raising ceremony from the safety of the nearby convention centre.

Since Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China by Britain, officials had always attended the ceremony outside, even during torrential downpours. But popular protests that erupted in June have made it increasingly risky for officials to appear in public.

Updated

We are going to pause our live coverage for the time being. You can read our wrap of the news from a momentous day in Beijing and Hong Kong here:

Updated

While Beijing celebrated, Hong Kong mourns:

Here are some scenes from the streets of Hong Kong:

  • One feature of the protests is that many people are stretching out five fingers to symbolise their five key demands.
    • Anti-government protesters march in Hong Kong.
    Anti-government protesters march in Hong Kong. Photograph: Susana Vera/Reuters
  • These are:

    • The complete withdrawal of the proposed extradition bill
    • The government to withdraw the use of the word “riot” in relation to protests
    • The unconditional release of arrested protesters and charges against them dropped
    • An independent inquiry into police behaviour
    • Implementation of genuine universal suffrage

    Protester James Ma added that “they didn’t listen to us when we were peaceful”.

    He added that the arrests of a number of people, including well known activists and ordinary protesters on the eve of the protest today, came after leader Carrie Lam’s first community dialogues which promised to listen to ordinary people’s voices.

    And talking of Carrie Lam, she’s looking quite happy to be out of Hong Kong and in Beijing for the big celebration:look who’s smiling now:

    Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in Beijing.
    Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in Beijing. Photograph: Ng Han Guan/AP

    'Hong Kong people will not be defeated,' says protester

    Verna has been speaking to marchers in Causeway Bay. They say they are not afraid, even though the government banned the protest and pulled out all the stops to prevent people from turning up. These tactics included closing metro stations, blocking roads and diverting buses.

    A protester who identified himself as James Ma, said: “The more they crackdown, the more we need to come out because it’s our freedom to protest.”

    Asked whether he was worried about being arrested for the unsanctioned protest, he said he was not afraid: “Hong Kong people will not be defeated.”

    Hello everyone. I’m Martin Farrer taking over from Naaman Zhou.

    The Causeway Bay protest is a lively gathering. Our reporter on the scene, Verna Yu, says there are thousands of people in attendance, many of them dressed in black. They are shouting slogans including “Fight for freedom, Stand with Hong Kong” and “No rioters, only violent regimes”. Many are also sporting the Guy Fawkes-style masks popularised during the Occupy protests a few years back.

    Protesters carry black balloons in a march in the Causeway Bay shopping district in Hong Kong today.
    Protesters carry black balloons in a march in the Causeway Bay shopping district in Hong Kong today. Photograph: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
    An anti-government protester in Causeway Bay on Tuesday.
    An anti-government protester in Causeway Bay on Tuesday. Photograph: Vincent Thian/AP

    Reuters reports that Taiwan’s government has condemned China’s “dictatorship”, saying the country was a threat to peace and trying to find excuses for its military expansion:

    Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council, responding to the parade and Xi’s comments, said Taiwan would never accept “one country, two systems”, the model of supposedly high autonomy Hong Kong and Macau have, which Beijing sees as eventually being the best way to win Taiwan over.

    “The Chinese Communist Party has persisted with its one-party dictatorship for 70 years, a concept of governance that violates the values **of democracy, freedom and human rights, causing risks and challenges for the development of mainland China,” it said.

    “Its shouting about the struggle for unity, great rejuvenation and unification is only an excuse for military expansion, seriously threatening regional peace and world democracy and civilisation.”

    Taiwan has been democratic for more than 30 years, and China should use this moment to reflect and push for democracy, it added.

    “The lifeline of the survival and development of mainland China is not tied to one person and one party,” the council said.

    The South China Morning Post are reporting that an unapproved rally in Sham Shui Po has been closed due to government sign declaring a “special incident”.

    With that, I will be handing over the blog to my colleague Martin Farrer.

    Updated

    Summary so far

    Protests and parades have marked China’s 70th anniversary of Communist party rule.

    • In Beijing, president Xi Jinping declared “No force can shake this great nation”, amidst the protests in Hong Kong and a trade war with the US.
    • Xi said he was committed to “peaceful reunification and one country, two systems” for Hong Kong and Macau, and “peace” and “reunification” with Taiwan.
    • A huge military parade showcased new weapons technology – including nuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles and supersonic drones.
    • In Hong Kong, protestors gathered for marches planned for this afternoon. Activists also staged a demonstration in the morning, even as streets and subway stations were closed.
    • Hundreds have gathered in the city despite some protests being banned by police.
    • Activist Joshua Wong called on the world to use the day to “fight against authoritarianism” and pressure governments and companies to reconsider their relationship with China.

    Protesters are gathering in a range of places across the city – not just Causeway Bay.

    There are 100 at the Southorn Playground in Wan Chai, as estimated by the South China Morning Post. Others are gathering in Wong Tai Sin Square.

    And at the Sha Tsui Playground in Tsuen Wan, there is an authorised rally planned for 1pm local time.

    Large crowds are gathering in Causeway Bay, fingers outstretched to represent the five core demands of protesters.

    And here’s a sign from earlier today at a separate protest outside the British consulate.

    A group of people call on Britain to put pressure on Beijing during a protest outside the British consulate in Hong Kong .
    A group of people call on Britain to put pressure on Beijing during a protest outside the British consulate in Hong Kong . Photograph: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images

    Around the city, riot police are also gathering.

    The focus now turns to Hong Kong, where multiple pro-democracy protests are planned across the city this afternoon.

    The parade is now over, bringing an end to nearly three hours of speeches and military procession.

    Updated

    There was also a robot in the parade.

    This float represented Liaoning province, known for its industry.

    In Hong Kong, protesters gather for one of the marches. This one is scheduled to start at 1pm local time – which is in 20 minutes.

    Updated

    Back in Beijing a float representing Hong Kong and Macau has rolled through, with the sign “Hong Kong will have a better tomorrow”.

    Inside an empty mall in Hong Kong.

    Updated

    Overnight, Reuters in Hong Kong reported that there was a contingent of China’s People Armed Police (PAP) in the city for the first time.

    Last month, China had moved troops into the city as part of what was said to be a routine rotation.

    Sources told Reuters that this included PAP, which had not been reported at the time, in their first significant entry into Hong Kong.

    In Beijing, a tribute now to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

    There is a protest march planned for Hong Kong today, from Causeway Bay to Central. It has been banned by police, but many say they will march anyway.

    Crowds have begun gathering near the Sogo department store ahead of the demonstration.

    Updated

    Protesters in Hong Kong have hung this banner up outside the British consulate.

    “Not my national day”, it says. “Proud to be British since 1841”

    The civilian portion of the parade is well underway. A float with a portrait of Mao Zedong and other monuments roll through the square.

    The military procession is now over. A huge choir takes over, singing in Tiananmen Square. Marchers are now carrying a giant Chinese flag, and bouquets of flowers.

    Joshua Wong: "No celebration, only demonstration"

    As the military parade continues in Beijing, Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong is tweeting and calling on the world to “fight against authoritarianism”.

    “No celebration,” he writes. “Only demonstration”

    “Using Hong Kong as a stepping stone, China is waving its claws at the free world...We, Hongkongers, are fighting not only for ourselves, but also for you and your country to safeguard the core values of the free world.

    He says to the world: “Reconsider your government’s China-related policies and Chinese business involvement. Call on your government to exert diplomatic pressure on Beijing.”

    Updated

    In Hong Kong, Verna Yu reports:

    Hong Kong police have arrested a number of people ahead of the protest this afternoon. A protester told the Guardian that four people he knew were arrested from their homes this morning.

    Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) reported, citing police sources, that five people, including two students, were arrested late Monday night on suspicion of conspiracy to make offensive weapons. Police said they seized materials that can be used to make petrol bombs including thinner, naphtha, magnesium and aluminium powder, as well as glass bottles.

    Long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles, and nuclear missiles, are now rolling across Tiananmen Square.

    Now, the first public appearance of a new inter-continental ballistic missile, the DF-17. State TV commentators say it has “small to medium range” capacity. Other missiles follow, capable of nuclear and conventional warheads, state media says.

    Updated

    The drone team is now out. We are up to three different formations, large and small, mounted on the back of trucks. Before that were telecommunications vehicles.

    A slightly more complete list of some of those military units. We saw the air defense and anti-missile echelon, the early warning command echelon, bombers, carrier-based aircraft, fighter aircraft and land air assault echelons – and others.

    According to China Daily, two female generals participated in the parade for the first time ever.

    Updated

    In Hong Kong, streets are mostly empty and main protest areas have been blocked off.

    Chief executive Carrie Lam is in Beijing today, and watching proceedings among other officials.

    Now researchers, military scientists and some of China’s UN peacekeepers march past.

    Those female soldiers – wearing miniskirts – are some of the first women we’ve seen in today’s official broadcast. China has never had a woman on the politburo standing committee.

    Updated

    Hundreds of members of the military are marching through Tiananmen Square. So far we have had the airforce, logistics support, the PLA armed police and a group of female soldiers.

    Xi, earlier, in his open-top car

    Chinese leader Xi Jinping rides in an open-top limousine during a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Beijing.
    Chinese leader Xi Jinping rides in an open-top limousine during a parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Beijing. Photograph: Ng Han Guan/AP

    Now the military parade begins. Troops will start filing down Chang’an Avenue soon. Xi has returned to the podium to watch.

    Helicopters fly overhead with the Chinese flag, arranged to form a big “70”.

    Fighter jets, large planes and what could be the new supersonic drone are now taking off. They will soon pass over Tiananmen Square.

    Updated

    Reminder that according to state news outlets – 40% of what we are seeing today is being unveiled for the first time.

    Xi continues his return to the square, behind him is commander-in-chief of the parade and commander-in-chief of the central war zone Yi Xiaoguang.

    Earlier, he was greeting soldiers with “Hello comrades” and “Thanks for your hard work”.

    Updated

    Some images from earlier, during Xi’s speech.

    Soldiers of People’s Liberation Army are seen before a giant screen as Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the military parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of People’s Republic of China,.
    Soldiers of People’s Liberation Army are seen before a giant screen as Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at the military parade marking the 70th founding anniversary of People’s Republic of China,. Photograph: Jason Lee/Reuters

    The car is now turning around and Xi is returning to Tiananmen Square. The troops shout military slogans.

    Xi is still driving down Chang’an Avenue, greeting the military arranged along the road, who greet him in turn.

    Xi wraps up his address with a call for unity, across all Chinese people, including ethnic minorities, to work together and “continue to consolidate and develop our People’s Republic”.

    “China’s yesterday has been written in the annals of mankind. China is now being created by millions of people. China’s tomorrow will surely be better. Our whole party will endeavour to unite and not not forget our mission. We’ll bolster the People’s Republic and development to struggle for the revival of the great Chinese dream.”

    He signs off, saying “Long live the CPC and the Chinese people”.

    Xi is then taken to an open-top car and driven down Chang’an Avenue.

    Updated

    "The strategy of win-win co-operation"

    And on international matters, Xi says:

    “We must remain committed to the path of peaceful development and pursue the strategy of win-win co-operation. And continue to jointly build a community of common destiny for all mankind with people across the world.”

    He adds the Chinese military will “resolutely protect world peace”.

    “The People’s Liberation Army of China and the People’s Armed Police Force will forever retain the characters, purposes and the nature of being the people’s military,” he says.

    Updated

    "Peaceful reunification and one country, two systems"

    On Hong Kong:

    “Forging ahead, we must remain committed to the strategy of peaceful reunification and one country, two systems. We will maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau.

    On Taiwan:

    “[We must] advance the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and continue to strive for the complete reunification of our country.”

    Updated

    "No force can shake this great nation"

    He turns to economic matters now, striking a bullish note on Chinese development.

    “There is no force that can shake the foundation of this great nation,” he says. “No force can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation forging ahead.”

    Updated

    Xi Jinping speaks

    Xi Jinping begins with a tribute to “revolutionary heroes and martyrs” and opening remarks with a heavy emphasis on China’s ethnic minotiries.

    “At this moment, people of all ethnic groups in China, and Chinese men and woman all over the world are filled with great joy and happiness. Proud of this great country. and sending good wishes to our great motherland.”

    “Let me extend a thanks to friends of all nations who have supported china’s development,” he adds.

    Updated

    President Xi is about to speak.

    The flag is raised on Tiananmen Square and the crowd sings the national anthem.

    Soldiers are slowly march across the square to the flagpole, the giant portrait of Sun-Yat Sen looks on.

    Premier Li Keqiang has announced the anniversary has commenced. There is a ceremonial firing of cannons – with 56 cannons representing China’s 56 ethnic groups. They’re firing them 70 times to mark the anniversary.

    Xi Jinping has emerged on the balcony on the Gate of Heavenly Peace. He’s accompanied by Politburo figures and former presidents Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao.

    Updated

    The first live footage of the parade and the military in Tiananmen Square is coming through now.

    A helicopter shot over Chang’an Avenue shows it packed with tanks and trucks in formation.

    “This event is bigger than usual,” say anchors on state broadcaster CGTN.

    According to the state outlet Global Times, today’s parade will feature 15,000 soldiers and 160 aircraft.

    580 pieces of military equipment will be on show, forty percent of which have never been shown in public.

    Here are some images of parade attendees in the traditional dress of some of China’s many ethnic minorities – a common sight for choreographed state celebrations like this.

    An attendee in an ethnic minority costume during a rehearsal of 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China,
    An attendee in an ethnic minority costume during a rehearsal of 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Photograph: Wu Hong/EPA
    Attendees in ethnic minority costumes wait for a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
    Attendees in ethnic minority costumes wait for a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Photograph: Roman Pilipey/EPA

    Earlier today, Ilham Tohti, a Uygur academic currently in prison in China, was awarded a European human rights prize.

    Tothi, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2014, was awarded the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize in Strasbourg.

    He had earlier won the Martin Ennals award for human rights defenders in 2016.

    More pictures of the preparation here:

    State news outlet People’s Daily has posted this video of the preparations. Tanks and trucks stretch as far as the eye can see. But there’s also a fair amount of smog in the sky – odd, as officials usually enforce pollution control measures, and deploy cloud-seeding to clear things up in the lead-up to big events .

    Verna Yu in Hong Kong:

    Three metro stations: Admiralty, Wanchai and Prince Edward are closed all day, and eight more stations across Hong Kong, in districts that have been flash points of recent protests, will also be closed from 11am, said the Transport Department,

    Here is our scene-setter for today, laying out some of the global challenges facing China at the moment:

    And the latest on the situation in Hong Kong, where at least two high-profile activists, Ventus Lau and actor Gregory Wong, were arrested in the lead-up to today.

    The parade is scheduled to begin at 10am in Beijing. Which is in one hour.

    From Verna Yu in Hong Kong:

    Acting chief executive Matthew Cheung, who is deputising for Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, who is in Beijing participating in the National Day celebration, said in his speech that the government was “shocked and saddened” by the increasingly violent protests and said “violence is not a solution”.

    He said the government has started a series of community dialogues and is looking into programmes to improve the livelihood for ordinary citizens.

    After his speech, he toasted other dignitaries on the stage, who include China’s representatives and the People’s Liberation Army’s commanders.

    In Beijing, security forces have cleared the streets.

    One of the Guardian’s correspondents in Hong Kong, Verna Yu, wites:

    As the flag raising ceremony started at 8am local time, a dozen protesters staged a demonstration in Wanchai in the presence of riot police.

    “Rise up! The people who don’t want to be slaves!” they chanted, echoing the words of the Chinese national anthem. Guests watched the flag raising ceremony from a screen inside the convention and exhibition centre as the reception for the national day celebration has been moved indoors this year out of fears of disruption by activists. The flag raising ceremony has taken place outdoors in past years.

    The protesters displayed a black banner emblazoned: “There is no national celebration, only national mourning. End one party rule.”

    Updated

    In Hong Kong, protests have already begun.

    Updated

    Preparations and protests begin

    Good morning and welcome to our coverage of the 70th anniversary of Communist party rule in China.

    Analysts are expecting a show of military might today, with tanks, troops, missiles and a new hypersonic drone to feature in Beijing as a military parade rolls through Tiananmen Square. There will also be an address from president Xi Jinping.

    And corresponding protests are ramping up in Hong Kong, even as authorities crack down and arrest activists both in the city and on the mainland. Hong Kong’s running protests are now in their 17th week, and on Monday police confirmed they fired another live gun when surrounded by protesters on Sunday.

    Today’s anniversary marks the day Mao Zedong consolidated Communist party control of China in October 1949, after defeating the nationalist Kuomintang party in the Chinese Civil War.

    Updated

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