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| China warns Hong Kong protesters of ‘unimaginable’ consequences | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s chief executive flatly rejected demands for his resignation by pro-democracy protesters on Thursday as the standoff threatened to spill into possible high-stakes confrontations with riot police deployed and demonstrators vowing to escalate pressures. | HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s chief executive flatly rejected demands for his resignation by pro-democracy protesters on Thursday as the standoff threatened to spill into possible high-stakes confrontations with riot police deployed and demonstrators vowing to escalate pressures. |
| While Hong Kong’s chief, Lueng Chin-yin, dismissed the calls from the street that he step down by midnight, he offered one concession by assigning his second in command official to seek talks with demonstrators. | While Hong Kong’s chief, Lueng Chin-yin, dismissed the calls from the street that he step down by midnight, he offered one concession by assigning his second in command official to seek talks with demonstrators. |
| ``I will not resign,’’ Leung Chin-yin told a news conference. | ``I will not resign,’’ Leung Chin-yin told a news conference. |
| The declaration capped a day of fast-moving events as China made clear it would not compromise, protesters threatened to occupy government buildings and police brought in riot gear and vowed to stop them. | The declaration capped a day of fast-moving events as China made clear it would not compromise, protesters threatened to occupy government buildings and police brought in riot gear and vowed to stop them. |
| A swarm of officers made their way toward the besieged government headquarters at the heart of Hong Kong’s protest, carrying what appeared to be boxes of rubber bullets and tear gas. Hong Kong authorities warned in a statement that they would take action if protesters try to occupy government buildings. | A swarm of officers made their way toward the besieged government headquarters at the heart of Hong Kong’s protest, carrying what appeared to be boxes of rubber bullets and tear gas. Hong Kong authorities warned in a statement that they would take action if protesters try to occupy government buildings. |
| As crowds grew throughout the night, the sharper signals on both sides suggested that the showdown could be moving toward a pivotal moment. | As crowds grew throughout the night, the sharper signals on both sides suggested that the showdown could be moving toward a pivotal moment. |
| What began as outrage against plans by Chinese authorities to vet Hong Kong election candidates has broadened into a collision of two sharply differing visions about the former British colony. | What began as outrage against plans by Chinese authorities to vet Hong Kong election candidates has broadened into a collision of two sharply differing visions about the former British colony. |
| Protesters say they want the semiautonomous status China promised them when it took over Hong Kong in 1997. Leaders in Beijing have made clear they will not give up their grip over Hong Kong’s leaders and the way they are chosen. And Beijing’s uncompromising stance is driven in part by fears that successful protests in Hong Kong could inspire dissent to bubble up elsewhere in China. | Protesters say they want the semiautonomous status China promised them when it took over Hong Kong in 1997. Leaders in Beijing have made clear they will not give up their grip over Hong Kong’s leaders and the way they are chosen. And Beijing’s uncompromising stance is driven in part by fears that successful protests in Hong Kong could inspire dissent to bubble up elsewhere in China. |
| In a bid to defuse the crisis, Leung appointed the No. 2 official, Carrie Lam, to meet with protesters to discuss possible reforms. He noted that police would exercise restraint, but warned that authorities would not stand by if demonstrators tried to enter and occupy state buildings. | In a bid to defuse the crisis, Leung appointed the No. 2 official, Carrie Lam, to meet with protesters to discuss possible reforms. He noted that police would exercise restraint, but warned that authorities would not stand by if demonstrators tried to enter and occupy state buildings. |
| The mood grew palpably tense in front of government headquarters. Protest organizers asked those with children and pets to leave the area and began donning goggles and masks in case police deployed tear gas as they did Sunday night. | The mood grew palpably tense in front of government headquarters. Protest organizers asked those with children and pets to leave the area and began donning goggles and masks in case police deployed tear gas as they did Sunday night. |
| Attendance at the pro-democracy demonstrations had waned over the past day, but as word spread online of a possible police crackdown, protesters returned by the hundreds to the protest site. | Attendance at the pro-democracy demonstrations had waned over the past day, but as word spread online of a possible police crackdown, protesters returned by the hundreds to the protest site. |
| Volunteers rushed in trolleys full of water, food, umbrellas and safety goggles. | Volunteers rushed in trolleys full of water, food, umbrellas and safety goggles. |
| Near the government headquarter’s harbor-side entrance, which has become a flashpoint for confrontation, dozens of protesters sat down in front of metal barricades guarded by police. | Near the government headquarter’s harbor-side entrance, which has become a flashpoint for confrontation, dozens of protesters sat down in front of metal barricades guarded by police. |
| The swift change in mood marked a sharp contrast from previous days, when the protests at times had been almost festive. After a police attempt to disperse crowds by using tear gas backfired, drawing even greater numbers of protesters out of sympathy, the police had largely withdrawn from the scene, while the government adopted a waiting strategy. | The swift change in mood marked a sharp contrast from previous days, when the protests at times had been almost festive. After a police attempt to disperse crowds by using tear gas backfired, drawing even greater numbers of protesters out of sympathy, the police had largely withdrawn from the scene, while the government adopted a waiting strategy. |
| By holding off, authorities appeared to be betting that the protests would lose steam and that public sentiment would gradually turn against the demonstrations in the absence of conflict. | By holding off, authorities appeared to be betting that the protests would lose steam and that public sentiment would gradually turn against the demonstrations in the absence of conflict. |
| Until Thursday night, that bet seemed to be paying off. | Until Thursday night, that bet seemed to be paying off. |
| At the same time, however, Hong Kong’s ultimate rulers in Beijing made clear through messages in state media that they were leaving no room for compromise. | At the same time, however, Hong Kong’s ultimate rulers in Beijing made clear through messages in state media that they were leaving no room for compromise. |
| An editorial Wednesday in the People’s Daily newspaper called the demonstrations illegal and said ominously that if they continue, the “consequences will be unimaginable.” | An editorial Wednesday in the People’s Daily newspaper called the demonstrations illegal and said ominously that if they continue, the “consequences will be unimaginable.” |
| The paper, considered the flagship mouthpiece for the ruling Communist Party, followed up with front-page editorial Thursday warning that continued protests would drive Hong Kong into “chaos.” | The paper, considered the flagship mouthpiece for the ruling Communist Party, followed up with front-page editorial Thursday warning that continued protests would drive Hong Kong into “chaos.” |
| The editorial also expressed full support for Leung, the chief executive. A faction of students among the demonstrators has threatened to escalate protests if Leung does not resign by the end of the day Thursday. | The editorial also expressed full support for Leung, the chief executive. A faction of students among the demonstrators has threatened to escalate protests if Leung does not resign by the end of the day Thursday. |
| The editorial said the protesters were not engaged in communication but rather “confrontation.” It said, “These activists ought to be held legally responsible for this unlawful behavior.” | The editorial said the protesters were not engaged in communication but rather “confrontation.” It said, “These activists ought to be held legally responsible for this unlawful behavior.” |
| An escalation by protesters or use of force by police could change the trajectory of the week-long demonstrations. Up to now, the demonstrators have scrupulously avoided giving authorities reason to move beyond the protesters’ barricades. | An escalation by protesters or use of force by police could change the trajectory of the week-long demonstrations. Up to now, the demonstrators have scrupulously avoided giving authorities reason to move beyond the protesters’ barricades. |
| But the lack of centralized leadership among the protesters could test their unity. Various factions have set different priorities. Some seek Leung’s resignation as the first goal, while others favor concentrating on forcing China to roll back the election rules. | But the lack of centralized leadership among the protesters could test their unity. Various factions have set different priorities. Some seek Leung’s resignation as the first goal, while others favor concentrating on forcing China to roll back the election rules. |
| “Right now, as protesters decide what to do next, decentralization is the weak link that Leung’s government can exploit to sow dissension,” said Willy Lam, an analyst at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. | “Right now, as protesters decide what to do next, decentralization is the weak link that Leung’s government can exploit to sow dissension,” said Willy Lam, an analyst at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. |
| Meanwhile, the patience shown by the authorities, including in Beijing, could quickly vanish if signs emerge that Hong Kong’s democratic fervor was spreading to the mainland, analysts said. | Meanwhile, the patience shown by the authorities, including in Beijing, could quickly vanish if signs emerge that Hong Kong’s democratic fervor was spreading to the mainland, analysts said. |
| If the protests endure for weeks or months, they said, Chinese President Xi Jinping could look weak and open himself to criticism among party rivals that he has lost Hong Kong. | If the protests endure for weeks or months, they said, Chinese President Xi Jinping could look weak and open himself to criticism among party rivals that he has lost Hong Kong. |
| Already, China’s censors have been working overtime to keep images and news of the protests from reaching a Chinese audience. Some experts estimate that deleted posts on social media have reached record highs since Saturday. | Already, China’s censors have been working overtime to keep images and news of the protests from reaching a Chinese audience. Some experts estimate that deleted posts on social media have reached record highs since Saturday. |
| CNN and other foreign news channels have gone black in China at the mere mention of Hong Kong. | CNN and other foreign news channels have gone black in China at the mere mention of Hong Kong. |
| At least 20 people in China have been detained and 60 called in for questioning for posting online messages of support for the protests, Amnesty International said Wednesday. | At least 20 people in China have been detained and 60 called in for questioning for posting online messages of support for the protests, Amnesty International said Wednesday. |
| A standoff between pro-democracy demonstrators and Hong Kong’s leaders moved closer toward a possible high-stakes confrontation Thursday as protesters threatened to block more government buildings and Chinese authorities warned of “unimaginable” consequences unless the crowds back down. | A standoff between pro-democracy demonstrators and Hong Kong’s leaders moved closer toward a possible high-stakes confrontation Thursday as protesters threatened to block more government buildings and Chinese authorities warned of “unimaginable” consequences unless the crowds back down. |
| Shortly before nightfall, a swarm of police made their way toward the besieged government headquarters at the heart of the protest, carrying what appeared to be boxes of rubber bullets, tear gas and other riot gear. | Shortly before nightfall, a swarm of police made their way toward the besieged government headquarters at the heart of the protest, carrying what appeared to be boxes of rubber bullets, tear gas and other riot gear. |
| Hong Kong authorities also issued a statement warning that they would retaliate if protesters try to occupy government buildings. | Hong Kong authorities also issued a statement warning that they would retaliate if protesters try to occupy government buildings. |
| The sharper messages from both sides suggest that the showdown could be moving toward pivotal moments. | The sharper messages from both sides suggest that the showdown could be moving toward pivotal moments. |
| What began as outrage against plans by Chinese authorities to vet Hong Kong election candidates has broadened into a collision of two sharply different visions about the former British colony. | What began as outrage against plans by Chinese authorities to vet Hong Kong election candidates has broadened into a collision of two sharply different visions about the former British colony. |
| Protesters say Hong Kong cannot relinquish the semiautonomous status promised when China took control in 1997. Leaders in Beijing appear unwilling to make compromises over their central authority or negotiate with protesters, fearing that any sign of weakness could inspire dissent to bubble up elsewhere. | Protesters say Hong Kong cannot relinquish the semiautonomous status promised when China took control in 1997. Leaders in Beijing appear unwilling to make compromises over their central authority or negotiate with protesters, fearing that any sign of weakness could inspire dissent to bubble up elsewhere. |
| Protest organizers have held firm. They asked demonstrators with children and pets to leave the area. At the same time, they appealed for others to join their ranks, which have dipped over the past day. | Protest organizers have held firm. They asked demonstrators with children and pets to leave the area. At the same time, they appealed for others to join their ranks, which have dipped over the past day. |
| Chinese authorities stepped up warnings, saying the demonstrations are illegal and that, if they continue, the “consequences will be unimaginable.” | Chinese authorities stepped up warnings, saying the demonstrations are illegal and that, if they continue, the “consequences will be unimaginable.” |
| In a front-page editorial in the People’s Daily newspaper, the flagship paper of China’s Communist Party, China also said it fully supports Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong’s chief executive. A faction of students among the demonstrators has threatened to escalate their occupation the protests if Leung does not resign by the end of the day Thursday. | In a front-page editorial in the People’s Daily newspaper, the flagship paper of China’s Communist Party, China also said it fully supports Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong’s chief executive. A faction of students among the demonstrators has threatened to escalate their occupation the protests if Leung does not resign by the end of the day Thursday. |
| “This has gone so far as to threaten people’s safety, as well as their property,” said the newspaper. “These activists ought to be held legally responsible for this unlawful behavior.” The editorial said the protesters were not engaged in communication but rather “confrontation.” | “This has gone so far as to threaten people’s safety, as well as their property,” said the newspaper. “These activists ought to be held legally responsible for this unlawful behavior.” The editorial said the protesters were not engaged in communication but rather “confrontation.” |
| It added that the protests have “shamed” Hong Kong, harming its reputation as a hub of international business. World financial markets have suffered in response to the pro-democracy demonstrations, which sharply escalated late last week. | It added that the protests have “shamed” Hong Kong, harming its reputation as a hub of international business. World financial markets have suffered in response to the pro-democracy demonstrations, which sharply escalated late last week. |
| The warnings from authorities — and the defiant response from protesters — suddenly hardened the mood of the demonstrations, which had become almost festive after officials pulled back security forces following clashes on Sunday. | The warnings from authorities — and the defiant response from protesters — suddenly hardened the mood of the demonstrations, which had become almost festive after officials pulled back security forces following clashes on Sunday. |
| The Hong Kong government had apparently expected the protests to lose steam and the public to gradually turn against them in the absence of conflict. | The Hong Kong government had apparently expected the protests to lose steam and the public to gradually turn against them in the absence of conflict. |
| But on Wednesday, a holiday celebrating the Chinese Communist Party’s ascent to power, large crowds turned out in a public demonstration against Beijing’s political control . | But on Wednesday, a holiday celebrating the Chinese Communist Party’s ascent to power, large crowds turned out in a public demonstration against Beijing’s political control . |
| Protest organizers now seek to keep momentum as the prospect of a renewed crackdown grows. Also, opposition leaders must persuade followers to remain as their tactics become more aggressive. Up to now, the demonstrators have been scrupulous to avoid giving authorities reason to move beyond their barricades. | Protest organizers now seek to keep momentum as the prospect of a renewed crackdown grows. Also, opposition leaders must persuade followers to remain as their tactics become more aggressive. Up to now, the demonstrators have been scrupulous to avoid giving authorities reason to move beyond their barricades. |
| But the lack of a centralized leadership among the protesters could test their unity. Various factions have set different priorities. Some seek Leung’s resignation as the first goal, while others favor concentrating on trying to force China to roll back the election rules. | But the lack of a centralized leadership among the protesters could test their unity. Various factions have set different priorities. Some seek Leung’s resignation as the first goal, while others favor concentrating on trying to force China to roll back the election rules. |
| “Right now, as protesters decide what to do next, decentralization is the weak link that Leung’s government can exploit to sow dissension,” said Willy Lam, an analyst at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. | “Right now, as protesters decide what to do next, decentralization is the weak link that Leung’s government can exploit to sow dissension,” said Willy Lam, an analyst at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. |
| Meanwhile, the patience shown by the authorities, including in Beijing, could quickly vanish if signs emerge that Hong Kong’s democratic fervor is spreading to the mainland. | Meanwhile, the patience shown by the authorities, including in Beijing, could quickly vanish if signs emerge that Hong Kong’s democratic fervor is spreading to the mainland. |
| If the protests endure for weeks or months, Chinese President Xi Jinping could look weak and open himself to criticism among party rivals that he has lost Hong Kong, analysts said. | If the protests endure for weeks or months, Chinese President Xi Jinping could look weak and open himself to criticism among party rivals that he has lost Hong Kong, analysts said. |
| Already, China’s censors have been working overtime to keep images and news of the protests from reaching a Chinese audience. Some experts estimate that deleted posts on social media have reached record highs since Saturday. | Already, China’s censors have been working overtime to keep images and news of the protests from reaching a Chinese audience. Some experts estimate that deleted posts on social media have reached record highs since Saturday. |
| CNN and other foreign news channels have gone black in China at the mere mention of Hong Kong. | CNN and other foreign news channels have gone black in China at the mere mention of Hong Kong. |
| At least 20 people in China have been detained and 60 called in for questioning for posting online messages of support for the protests, Amnesty International said Wednesday. | At least 20 people in China have been detained and 60 called in for questioning for posting online messages of support for the protests, Amnesty International said Wednesday. |
| Deane reported from Rome. Xu Jing in Beijing and Brian Murphy in Washington contributed to this report. | Deane reported from Rome. Xu Jing in Beijing and Brian Murphy in Washington contributed to this report. |