14 Aug 2018 | 01:11 PM UTC
Hong Kong: Rival demonstrations near Hong Kong press club August 14
Rival public gatherings staged outside Hong Kong’s Foreign Correspondents’ Club August 14 ahead of controversial talk
Event
Pro- and anti-independence protesters gathered outside Hong Kong's Foreign Correspondents' Club on Tuesday, August 14, ahead of a talk by an independence activist and founder of the Hong Kong National Party. Pro-independence activists clashed with police; no injuries have been reported as of August 14.
The talk drew strong criticism from Chinese authorities, who had urged Hong Kong authorities to cancel the event.
Context
Hong Kong's Basic Law states that the former British colony, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, is an "inalienable" part of China. However, Hong Kong operates under a "one country, two systems" agreement that allows a high degree of autonomy and freedoms.
Advice
Individuals present in Hong Kong are advised to stay away from all public gatherings and rallies as they may turn violent and adhere to any instruction issued by local authorities.
