Hong Kong protests continue

The streets of Hong Kong were reported to be calm on Thursday, although thousands of mainly young demonstrators remained on the streets.

Around 100 of the protesters were said to have gathered on the main road leading to Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's office in an effort to cut off access. Police too remained on the streets of the financial hub, but were keeping their distance on Thursday. They had faced widespread international criticism after using tear gas and pepper spray on protesters last weekend.

Diplomatic tensions

Meanwhile, China's foreign minister on Wednesday pointedly told his US counterpart that what was happening in Hong Kong was none of Washington's business.

"The Chinese government has very firmly and clearly stated its position. Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs," Wang Yi said, standing alongside US Secretary of State John Kerry at the State Department in Washington.

"All countries should respect China's sovereignty and this is a basic principle of governing international relations," he added.

"I believe for any country, for any society, no one would allow those illegal acts that violate public order. That's the situation in the United States and that's the same situation in Hong Kong."

For his part, Kerry expressed Washington's support for the aspirations of the pro-democracy protesters who have taken to the streets of Hong Kong over the past several days.

"As China knows, we support universal suffrage in Hong Kong, accordant with the Basic Law," Kerry said, revering to the mini-constitution that governs the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

"We believe an open society with the highest possible degree of autonomy and governed by rule of law is essential for Hong Kong's stability and prosperity," he added.

Kerry also expressed the hope that " the Hong Kong authorities will exercise restraint and respect the protesters' right to express their views peacefully."

Threat to 'paralyze' government buildings

The demonstrators, who are demanding a fully free and democratic election for Hong Kong's next chief executive in 2017, have threatened to "paralyze the functioning" of important government offices if Leung fails to meet their demand that he step down by the end of this Thursday.

They are protesting against a Chinese government decision last month to allow only a few candidates vetted by Beijing to stand for the post.

pfd/kms (Reuters, dpa, AFP)