Monday's protests in Hong Kong force some businesses and schools to close

By Los Angeles Times, adapted by Newsela staff

Riot police use pepper spray against protesters after thousands of people block a main road to the financial central district outside the
government headquarters in Hong Kong, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014. Photo: AP Photo/Vincent Yu

Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong Monday, calling for free elections.
The demonstrations forced schools, banks and other businesses to close. Government officials said they would
cancel a major annual fireworks celebration on Wednesday. The holiday marks the founding of China.
Hong Kong is a territory of 7 million people, located on China's south coast. Long ruled by the British, it was
transferred to Chinese control in 1997. The Communist Chinese government promised Hong Kong more
freedom than people in mainland China under a system it called "one country, two systems."
The demonstrations began after China announced new election rules at the end of the summer. The rules would
limit voters choices in the 2017 election for Hong Kong's top official. Only candidates approved by the Chinese
government would be able to run.

Protests Become Widespread

People in Hong Kong are unhappy over other issues, as well. These include high housing prices and a growing
income gap between the rich and poor. In addition, young protesters don't feel connected to mainland China.
Instead, they feel a strong sense that they are Hong Kongers.

On Monday, protesters demonstrated in neighborhoods throughout Hong Kong. They sat down on roadways and
blocked streets. Police backed away from clashing directly with demonstrators. On Sunday, police had fired 87
rounds of tear gas at protesters. Tear gas is a chemical that irritates the eyes. It is used to break up protests.
The Chinese government had warned that the demonstrations could cause serious damage to Hong Kong
businesses and its image. Some workers refused to work in support of the protesters. Also, a number of
businesses opened late or closed early. In many parts of the city, though, businesses continued as usual.
No one seemed sure what would happen next. The protests are not planned and a wide variety of people have
joined them. Without a group of leaders directing things, its very difficult to predict what will happen, said
Chi-Keung Choy. He is a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The protests were started by a group called Occupy Central. Choy said the protests have become much more
widespread. Choy said that government officials will need to give in to many of the protesters' demands to get
them off the streets.

Many People Stand With Protesters

Western governments are concerned about the situation in Hong Kong. But they have been careful about
showing support for the demonstrators.
Hua Chunying is a spokeswoman for the Chinese government. She warned other countries not to interfere.
Hong Kong belongs to China," she said. We strongly oppose any countries interfering or supporting Occupy
Central by any methods. We wish these countries to be cautious.
Some Hong Kongers, though, want greater support from overseas. A group of Hong Kong-based employees of
Apple wrote to Chief Executive Tim Cook, calling for his support of the demonstrations.
In Hong Kong, demonstrations are usually well organized and calm. The free-form nature of the protests have
surprised people. It has also encouraged many of them to stand with the protesters.

"Are We In Syria Or Hong Kong?"

Its shocking to see armies of police equipped with tear gas guns, rifles and batons, said Nan Hie In. He
joined demonstrators Sunday night. "For a second I thought: Are we in Syria or Hong Kong?
After 25-year-old Jerry Ip and a few friends were tear-gassed by police, he said, I felt like Id die. Even so, Ip
said he would not give up because were fighting for the future of Hong Kong. This is our homeland.
Hong Kong's government has tried to calm the situation. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying promised that
police would treat protesters with respect. He also said that he hoped people would keep calm."
Leung had said that local officials would soon hold talks over the 2017 election rules. On Monday, though, his
government would not say when this would take place. He added that the government would ask for people's
thoughts at a later date after the protests calm down.
Hong Kong lawmaker Alan Leong said people were not going to be happy about this. This is a peoples
movement, he said.
https://newsela.com/articles/hongkong-protest/id/5399/

Name_________________

Protests in Hong Kong

In groups of 2 or 3, read through the article silently. Once your group is finished reading
discuss the main points you took away from the article. Then, answer the following
questions. Each of you will hand in your OWN worksheet.

1. What is the main issue between Hong Kong and China currently that has Hong Kong citizens protesting?
What other issues are Hong Kong citizens upset about?

2. Why would China try to enforce these new election rules? Do you think this situation goes against the basic
principles of democracy?

3. What are western democracies such as the United States doing about this conflict? In your opinion what
should these democratic nations be doing?

4. What do you infer is the reason why other countries are hesitant to get involved with this issue?

5. What do you believe is the authors point of view on this situation in Hong Kong? Is the article bias towards
one side or another? Give examples of lines from the article that defend your inference.

6. In your opinion if the new election rules in Hong Kong are made official would the government still be
considered a democracy? Why or why not?

7. Do you think Hong Kong is justified in their protests? Why or why not? In your opinion do you believe
there can be a peaceful resolution between Hong Kong and China? Explain.