In photos: Hong Kongers defy march ban as Beijing marks 70th anniversary of Communist China
The Tiananmen Square parade in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
China showed off a new hypersonic ballistic nuclear missile, the DF-17, as it displayed its military might during a grand parade in Beijing marking the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule, AP reports. But clashes between police and protesters in Hong Kong cast a shadow over celebrations.
The big picture: Hong Kong authorities had tried to thwart protesters as Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the Beijing parade that showcased some 15,000 soldiers and 100,000 performers, per the New York Times. Hong Kong went into unprecedented lockdown, Reuters notes. But tens of thousands of protesters defied a ban on marches and attended rallies throughout the city, per Bloomberg.
Hong Kong police fire a water cannon and blue dye from the central government complex. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Beijing marks 70 years since Mao Zedong announced the formation of the People's Republic of China. Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Protesters burn a Chinese national flag during a march through the streets of Hong Kong. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Performers at the parade in Tiananmen Square. Photo: Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images
A march in the Tsuen Wan district of Hong Kong, as demonstrators mark China's anniversary with the "Day of Grief" protests. Photo: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
The Liaoning Province float featuring a giant winged robot passes through Tiananmen Square. Photo: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters carry black balloons as they take part in a march in the Causeway Bay shopping district in Hong Kong. Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Military vehicles carrying DF-5B intercontinental ballistic missiles in Beijing's parade. Photo: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
Numerous Hong Kong stations are closed across the city, including this MTR underground rail system in the Admiralty area. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Military helicopters fly over Tiananmen Square. Photo: Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
A group of people outside the British Consulate in Hong Kong. Photo: Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
An early morning military parade rehearsal in Tiananmen Square. Photo: Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images
Hong Kong protesters carry a mock coffin in the Wanchai district. Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
The Chinese military forces gather in Tiananmen Square. Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Hong Kong police check the IDs of young people in the street ahead of anniversary events. Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
The Guard of Honour of the People's Liberation Army rehearse. Photo: Andrea Verdelli/Getty Images
