As the demonstrators and police were facing off in the semi-autonomous financial hub, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi insisted in Beijing that the proposed law must be imposed 'without the slightest delay'.
Police fired tear gas and water cannon at thousands of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters who gathered Sunday against a controversial security law proposed by China, in the most intense clashes for months.
With campaigners warning the proposal could spell the end of the city's treasured freedoms, thousands gathered and chanted slogans in the busy Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts, while some masked protesters set up makeshift barricades to stop police vehicles. Riot police were deployed after protesters ignored earlier warnings from authorities against unauthorised assembly and violated the city's current coronavirus-linked law banning public gatherings of more than eight people.
More than 8,300 people have been arrested since the protests erupted last year. Around 200 were detained during small rallies at malls on Mother's Day earlier this month. Despite the alarm in Hong Kong and in some Western capitals, Chinese and city officials have insisted the proposed law is needed to prevent unrest and protect national security.
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