Hong Kong Police Commissioner Stephen Lo has said “low fatality weapons” were used to clear Wednesday’s anti-extradition law protests because demonstrators charged police lines with weapons.
Lo said the protests were organised, describing them as a “riot.” He added that around 150 tear gas canisters, “several” rounds of rubber bullets, and 20 beanbag shots were fired during the protest clearance. In comparison, 87 rounds of tear gas canisters were used during the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests.
Eleven people were arrested for crimes in relation to disorderly conduct in public, unlawful assembly, assaulting police officers, and riot-related offences. He said 22 police officers were injured.
The protests are in response to changes to be voted upon in Hong Kong law –
It explicitly allows extraditions from Hong Kong to greater China – including the mainland, Taiwan and Macau – for the first time, closing what Hong Kong government officials have repeatedly described as a “loophole” that they claim has allowed the city to become a haven for criminals from the mainland.
Today the heavy rain in the afternoon tamped down the protesters.
It is unknown how long the protests will continue or what other actions the protestors and the police have in mind.
This comes at a delicate time in Chinese-US relations after the current trade negotiations were stalled.
The trade war has put China in a precarious situation and they cannot afford to see US business migrate to competing economies.