Thousands of activists back on Hong Kong streets

Tens of thousands of democracy activists took to the streets of Hong Kong again last night to renew their demands for free elections, two weeks into their protests and one day after the government called off talks.

There were dozens of tents in the Admiralty district, near government buildings, which has been the hub of activity so far during a fortnight of protest that has seen attacks by organised crime gangs and the use of tear gas against the demonstrators.

The protests have caused traffic chaos and put increased pressure on Hong Kong's chief executive Leung Chun-ying, whom the students want to resign. They want China to reverse its decision to vet candidates for the 2017 elections.

Student leaders have acknowledged they are causing difficulties in the city but said they are in it for the long haul. They warn they will escalate their actions and block government headquarters again if there is no negotiation.

"We do admit we are causing inconvenience to the people, but this is to have long-term gains through short-term pain," said Alex Chow, the secretary general of the Hong Kong Federation of Students. "No one will give up now until we get a significant achievement."

Confronting Beijing

The protests have confronted Beijing with one of its most significant popular challenges since it cracked down on pro-democracy protests in June 1989.

Chief secretary Carrie Lam, who had been named as the government's representative at the talks, said she did not feel there would be a constructive outcome to talks.

Police said they would take action at an appropriate time, without giving indications as to what that would be. The 17-year-old Hong Kong student Joshua Wong, who is leader of the Scholarism group, asked chancellor Angela Merkel for help to make the protests part of the debate during the state visit by Chinese premier Li Keqiang.

"I think a country like Germany needs to stand up for democracy and freedom. And it can speak with clear words. Until now we have had too little support from Western politicians," he told Bild newspaper.

"Our protests only stand a chance when Germany, Europe and the whole world put pressure on China and show solidarity with us. We want free and democratic elections in Hong Kong without Beijing's involvement," said Mr Wong.

The Chinese premier later addressed the matter of Hong Kong for the first time, saying there would be no change in China’s policy on Hong Kong’s autonomy.

“Hong Kong’s affairs belong to the internal affairs of China and all other countries must respect each others’ sovereignty . . . I am sure the people of Hong Kong and the government of Hong Kong have the competency to ensure the wealth and stability of society,” he said.

Ms Merkel said she hoped protests would remain peaceful and “solutions can be found in a free exchange of opinion which will satisfy the people of Hong Kong”.