In photos: Hong Kong marks China handover anniversary with ceremony and protests

Police use batons on protesters during a clash near the Legislative Council Complex. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

Clashes broke out between Hong Kong riot police and protesters Sunday, as thousands of demonstrators flooded city streets on the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the former British colony to China, Reuters reports.

Why it matters: Hong Kong retained a high degree of autonomy when it was returned to China in 1997 — including the freedom to protest and an independent judiciary. Hong Kong residents worry that’s crumbling as the Chinese Communist Party tightens its grip, per Axio's Dave Lawler. They're worried authorities may reintroduce a suspended bill that would allow extradition to mainland China.

This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates.

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Hong Kong police pepper-spray protesters outside the Legislative Council Complex. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

Protesters push barricades toward police on a street during a stand-off outside the Legislative Council Complex. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

Protesters with makeshift shields to defend themselves against police outside the Legislative Council Complex. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

Officials including Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (3rd L) in the Convention and Exhibition Centre toast the flag-raising ceremony marking the city's handover from the U.K. to China. Photo: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images

Go deeper: One Country, Two Systems: The crumbling walls between China and Hong Kong