Hong Kong airport sit-in continues in 10th straight weekend of protests

James Griffiths
By James Griffiths and Emily Dixon, CNN
Updated 10:55 AM EDT, Sat August 10, 2019
World News
Protesters rally against a controversial extradition bill at Hong Kongs international airport on August 9, 2019. - Hundreds of pro-democracy activists, some wearing face masks and helmets, staged a sit-in at Hong Kong's airport on August 9 hoping to win support from international visitors for their movement. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)
Protesters rally against a controversial extradition bill at Hong Kongs international airport on August 9, 2019. - Hundreds of pro-democracy activists, some wearing face masks and helmets, staged a sit-in at Hong Kong's airport on August 9 hoping to win support from international visitors for their movement. (Photo by Anthony WALLACE / AFP) (Photo credit should read ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images)
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
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Hong Kong CNN  — 

Thousands of demonstrators continued what is intended to be a peaceful three-day sit-in at Hong Kong’s international airport on Saturday, while police used tear gas on protesters at two other sites in the city. This is the 10th straight weekend of protests throughout the financial hub.

Police used tear gas to disperse a group who barricaded a roundabout in Tai Wai, according to a government press release. They used tear gas for a second time on Saturday evening after demonstrators began starting fires outside the Tsim Sha Tsui police station, which was also vandalized last weekend, according to the release.

Another group of demonstrators blocked the Kowloon entrance to the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, which connects the Kowloon Peninsula to Hong Kong Island.

The airport sit-in, in the arrivals hall of the main terminal, has not disrupted operations so far. Earlier, Hong Kong’s flagship airline Cathay Pacific said some flights to China had been canceled due to Typhoon Lekima, which prompted the evacuation of more than 1 million people in the eastern province of Zhejiang.

Protesters rally against a controversial extradition bill at Hong Kongs international airport on August 9, 2019.
Protesters rally against a controversial extradition bill at Hong Kongs international airport on August 9, 2019.
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

Chanting “Hong Kong people, add oil” – an expression used to express support and encouragement – protesters started gathering at the airport from midday Friday.

The move is the latest challenge to the government’s apparent strategy of waiting out the ongoing political crisis and comes just days after a citywide strike shut down flights and trains, causing travel chaos.

Protesters held signs in English and Chinese and had printed leaflets in multiple languages explaining the causes and demands of the demonstrations for arriving tourists.

Hong Kong’s airport is one of the busiest in the world, handling 1,100 passenger and cargo flights daily, with services between the city and about 200 international destinations.

In a statement, the city’s Airport Authority said that additional security would be deployed on site Friday to assist passengers and airport staff. In order to minimize disruption to flights, only departing passengers with valid tickets or boarding passes and travel documents would be allowed to enter to the check-in aisles at Terminal 1, said the statement.

China bans Cathay Pacific staff involved in protests

On Thursday, China issued a ban on Cathay Pacific staff who have supported and participated in the protests, according to a statement published on China’s Civil Aviation Administration’s website.

It said that from midnight on Saturday, the airline “must stop all those who have participated in and those who support the illegal demonstrations, protests and violent attacks, as well as those who have had radical behaviors, from executing all flights to and from the mainland.”

China issued the ban on Thursday to any Cathay Pacific airline staff who have participated or supported the protests.
China issued the ban on Thursday to any Cathay Pacific airline staff who have participated or supported the protests.
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images

New rules will also be implemented from Sunday that require the airline to “submit the ID information of all crew members flying to the mainland and flying over the mainland air space to the relevant mainland authorities for approval.”

“Cathay flights will not be accepted without getting the approval,” the statement added.

In response, Cathay told CNN in a statement that it was treating China’s directive “seriously” and was studying it very carefully.

“The safety of our passengers is always the top priority of Cathay Pacific. There is zero tolerance to any inappropriate and unprofessional behavior that may affect aviation safety. We deal with these incidents very seriously,” the airline’s statement added.

Cathay’s CEO, Rupert Hogg, confirmed in a message to employees Saturday that the airline would cooperate with the Chinese ban. Employees who “support or take part in illegal protests, violent actions, or overly radical behavior” will be banned from working on flights or any related activities to mainland China, Hogg said.

Cathay also said in a press release Saturday that a pilot charged with rioting in Hong Kong had been removed from “flying duties,” while two airport ground staff were fired for “misconduct.”

US issues travel warning

On Thursday, the United States became the latest country to issue a travel warning for Hong Kong, urging travelers to exercise increased caution over the protests.

“Most have been peaceful, but some have turned confrontational or resulted in violent clashes,” the advisory said. “These demonstrations, which can take place with little or no notice, are likely to continue.”

Similar warnings have been issued by other countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan and Singapore. Although the warnings recommend travelers exercise a high degree of caution, countries are not yet advising visitors to avoid Hong Kong altogether.

“Hong Kong remains a welcoming city for tourists and travelers from around the world,” a Hong Kong government spokesman said in a statement. “The impact of these illegal confrontations is confined to a limited area near the procession routes, and is not widespread.”

Additional protests were planned for this weekend, including in the northern New Territories town of Tai Po and in Sham Shui Po, in Kowloon, where police fired tear gas in clashes with protesters earlier this week. As of Friday afternoon, police had refused to issue letters of no objection for the planned protests on Saturday and Sunday respectively, meaning they could be deemed illegal assemblies.

Growing frustration

Both the Hong Kong government and protesters are engaged in an apparent war of attrition, with neither side willing to budge as protests became increasingly violent and the mood in the city turns darker.

Some people have reacted negatively as protests have spilled over from traditional demonstration targets in the city’s central business district to more residential areas. Clashes have taken place between alleged triad gang members and mostly young protesters in some areas, and police tear gas fired to clear occupied roads has seeped into nearby apartments, putting vulnerable bystanders at risk.

Smaller-scale demonstrations in support of the Hong Kong government and police have also been held, with another planned for this weekend.

Speaking this week, one of China’s top officials responsible for Hong Kong appeared to seek to capitalize on the growing divides and frustrations within the city, dividing the protest movement into two groups.

“At the front are a small number of violent radicals; in the middle are some kind-hearted citizens who have been misguided and coerced to join,” said Yang Guang, spokesman for the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.

Speaking to reporters, Yang emphasized the economic and societal damage caused to Hong Kong by the protests and urged citizens to “stand firm and guard our beautiful homeland.”

“Let’s do as a loving mother does to take the inexplicably angry child home,” he said, adding that the protests had gone way beyond the freedom of assembly and expression that Hong Kong is permitted.

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A riot policeman sprays pepper spray at a man as they disperse a crowd during a demonstration against "parallel traders" who buy goods in Hong Kong to resell in mainland China on Sunday, January 5.
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A protester walks through a gymnasium at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
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A fire is seen at a Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station during a demonstration at The Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 13.
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A man is detained during a protest at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 12.
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A protester is detained in the Central District of Hong Kong on November 11.
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People react after tear gas was fired by police during a protest in Hong Kong's Central District on November 11.
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Riot police face off with protesters at an entrance of a shopping mall during a demonstration on November 10.
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A man is helped by a volunteer medic after police used pepper spray during a demonstration on November 10.
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A person places a flower at a memorial for 22-year-old Hong Kong university student Chow Tsz-lok on November 8.
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Students in gas masks are seen during a graduation ceremony at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Thursday, November 7 in Hong Kong.
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A protester throws a tear gas canister on October 27 in Hong Kong.
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Ivan Cheung/SOPA Images/Getty Images
Protesters start a fire in front of the MTR station during demonstration on October 27.
Tear gas smoke is seen exploding over reporters during an anti-government protest in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong on October 27.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vernon Yuen/Getty Images
Tear gas smoke is seen exploding over reporters during an anti-government protest in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong on October 27.
High school students take part in a human chain rally outside Kowloon park in Hong Kong on October 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
High school students take part in a human chain rally outside Kowloon park in Hong Kong on October 25.
Police fire blue dye toward protesters in Hong Kong on Sunday, October 20. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Police fire blue dye toward protesters in Hong Kong on Sunday, October 20. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
A pro-democracy protester is arrested by police on October 20.
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Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A pro-democracy protester is arrested by police on October 20.
Pro-democracy lawmakers protest as Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam delivers a speech at the Legislative Council on Wednesday, October 16. Lam's annual policy address <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/16/asia/hong-kong-protests-explosives-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">ended in chaos</a> as pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly disrupted her speech and heckled her with calls to honor the demands of anti-government protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Pro-democracy lawmakers protest as Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam delivers a speech at the Legislative Council on Wednesday, October 16. Lam's annual policy address ended in chaos as pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly disrupted her speech and heckled her with calls to honor the demands of anti-government protesters.
A protester shoots a basketball at a poster of Lam during a rally on Tuesday, October 15.
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Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
A protester shoots a basketball at a poster of Lam during a rally on Tuesday, October 15.
Protesters set fire to a Bank of China branch on Sunday, October 13. It was the 19th consecutive weekend of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Miguel Candela/SOPA Images/Getty Images
Protesters set fire to a Bank of China branch on Sunday, October 13. It was the 19th consecutive weekend of anti-government protests in Hong Kong.
Protesters use the lights on their phones during a rally in central Hong Kong's business district.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Felipe Dana/AP
Protesters use the lights on their phones during a rally in central Hong Kong's business district.
A protester attempts to break a tourist bus window on October 13.
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A protester attempts to break a tourist bus window on October 13.
Protesters wearing masks in defiance of <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/04/asia/hong-kong-face-mask-ban-meeting-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">a recently imposed ban</a> gather at a shopping mall on October 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
Protesters wearing masks in defiance of a recently imposed ban gather at a shopping mall on October 13.
Supporters surround a police bus carrying political activist Edward Leung as it leaves the High Court in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 9. Several hundred masked protesters gathered at Hong Kong's High Court for the appeal hearing of Leung, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/11/asia/edward-leung-hong-kong-jailed-intl/index.html" target="_blank">who was sentenced to six years in prison</a> for his part in a violent clash with police.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
Supporters surround a police bus carrying political activist Edward Leung as it leaves the High Court in Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 9. Several hundred masked protesters gathered at Hong Kong's High Court for the appeal hearing of Leung, who was sentenced to six years in prison for his part in a violent clash with police.
A woman is treated after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on October 7.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
A woman is treated after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on October 7.
Pro-democracy protesters gather in a shopping mall on October 7.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters gather in a shopping mall on October 7.
Rescue personnel check the bottom of a taxi after the driver allegedly drove onto the pavement, hitting protesters in Hong Kong on October 6.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Rescue personnel check the bottom of a taxi after the driver allegedly drove onto the pavement, hitting protesters in Hong Kong on October 6.
A China Construction Bank is seen vandalized in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong on October 6.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A China Construction Bank is seen vandalized in the Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong on October 6.
Pro-democracy protesters set fires in the street in the Causeway Bay area.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters set fires in the street in the Causeway Bay area.
People protest the ban against masks on Saturday, October 5.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Laurel Chor/Getty Images
People protest the ban against masks on Saturday, October 5.
An anti-government protester stands near a fire on Friday, October 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters
An anti-government protester stands near a fire on Friday, October 4.
Protesters move a statue depicting a protester armed with gas mask, helmet and umbrella on the streets of Hong Kong on October 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
Protesters move a statue depicting a protester armed with gas mask, helmet and umbrella on the streets of Hong Kong on October 4.
Protesters set a fire at a China Construction Bank.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters set a fire at a China Construction Bank.
Protesters spray paint slogans at the entrance to a tunnel on October 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Felipe Dana/AP
Protesters spray paint slogans at the entrance to a tunnel on October 4.
A store is in shambles after being vandalized by protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Laurel Chor/Getty Images
A store is in shambles after being vandalized by protesters.
Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up their hands to symbolize their five demands during a rally on October 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Mohd Rasfan/AFPGetty Images
Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up their hands to symbolize their five demands during a rally on October 4.
Protesters throw petrol bombs at the gate to the Tsuen Wan police station on Wednesday, October 2.
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Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
Protesters throw petrol bombs at the gate to the Tsuen Wan police station on Wednesday, October 2.
Schoolmates of a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/01/asia/hong-kong-oct-1-protests-escalation-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">student who was shot in the chest by police</a> place their hands on their chests during a protest on October 2.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Mohd Rasfan/AFP/Getty Images
Schoolmates of a student who was shot in the chest by police place their hands on their chests during a protest on October 2.
A young protester was shot Tuesday, October 1, as violent protests erupted across Hong Kong on the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The incident marked a major escalation in violence that could galvanize the protest movement in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Editorial Board, CityU SU/Reuters
A young protester was shot Tuesday, October 1, as violent protests erupted across Hong Kong on the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The incident marked a major escalation in violence that could galvanize the protest movement in Hong Kong.
Police detain an anti-government protester on October 1. Thousands of black-clad protesters marched in central Hong Kong as part of multiple pro-democracy rallies.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Felipe Dana/AP
Police detain an anti-government protester on October 1. Thousands of black-clad protesters marched in central Hong Kong as part of multiple pro-democracy rallies.
Police tackle and arrest pro-democracy protesters during clashes on October 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Police tackle and arrest pro-democracy protesters during clashes on October 1.
A protester is seen carrying rocks on a street on October 1. While events in Beijing were being held to mark the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/01/world/gallery/china-70th-anniversary/index.html" target="_blank">70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,</a> demonstrators rallied throughout Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Isaac Lawrence/AFP/Getty Images
A protester is seen carrying rocks on a street on October 1. While events in Beijing were being held to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, demonstrators rallied throughout Hong Kong.
Protesters react after police fired tear gas near the central government offices in Hong Kong's Admiralty area on October 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters react after police fired tear gas near the central government offices in Hong Kong's Admiralty area on October 1.
Pro-democracy protesters form a "Pepe the Frog" themed human chain on Monday, September 30.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters form a "Pepe the Frog" themed human chain on Monday, September 30.
A man is detained by Hong Kong police during a protest in the Causeway Bay shopping district on Sunday, September 29.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
A man is detained by Hong Kong police during a protest in the Causeway Bay shopping district on Sunday, September 29.
Bus passengers look at a burning barricade lit by pro-democracy protesters in front of the Mong Kok police station on Sunday, September 22.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Bus passengers look at a burning barricade lit by pro-democracy protesters in front of the Mong Kok police station on Sunday, September 22.
Pro-democracy protesters sing songs and chant slogans during a rally inside a shopping mall on September 22.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Pro-democracy protesters sing songs and chant slogans during a rally inside a shopping mall on September 22.
A pro-China supporter, center, is escorted by police after confronting journalists in Hong Kong on September 15.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
A pro-China supporter, center, is escorted by police after confronting journalists in Hong Kong on September 15.
Pro-government and anti-government supporters chant against one another at a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Friday, September 13. The sign translates to "Stop violence and curb chaos; safeguard Hong Kong."
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters
Pro-government and anti-government supporters chant against one another at a shopping mall in Hong Kong on Friday, September 13. The sign translates to "Stop violence and curb chaos; safeguard Hong Kong."
Demonstrators hold up their cell phone lights as they form a human chain at the Peak, a tourist spot in Hong Kong, on September 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Demonstrators hold up their cell phone lights as they form a human chain at the Peak, a tourist spot in Hong Kong, on September 13.
Police escort an injured man after he attacked protesters outside Prince Edward station in Hong Kong on Friday, September 6.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Police escort an injured man after he attacked protesters outside Prince Edward station in Hong Kong on Friday, September 6.
Protesters burn paper money to pay their respects to injured protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters burn paper money to pay their respects to injured protesters.
Protesters prepare to clash with police outside the Mong Kok police station on September 6.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters prepare to clash with police outside the Mong Kok police station on September 6.
A protester is detained by police at the Po Lam Mass Transit Railway station on Thursday, September 5.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Tyrone Siu/Reuters
A protester is detained by police at the Po Lam Mass Transit Railway station on Thursday, September 5.
A man watches televisions at a store in Hong Kong as Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces the withdrawal of the extradition bill on Wednesday, September 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
A man watches televisions at a store in Hong Kong as Chief Executive Carrie Lam announces the withdrawal of the extradition bill on Wednesday, September 4.
A woman gets emotional on September 4 while paying her respects to protesters who were injured a few days earlier.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters
A woman gets emotional on September 4 while paying her respects to protesters who were injured a few days earlier.
Demonstrators travel through a railway station during a rally on Tuesday, September 3.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kyle Lam/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Demonstrators travel through a railway station during a rally on Tuesday, September 3.
Students wearing gas masks and helmets hold a banner that reads "five major demands are indispensable" at St. Francis' Canossian College in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
AP
Students wearing gas masks and helmets hold a banner that reads "five major demands are indispensable" at St. Francis' Canossian College in Hong Kong.
Protesters gather in the bus terminal at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday, September 1. Hundreds of pro-democracy activists attempted to block transport routes to the city's airport.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters gather in the bus terminal at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday, September 1. Hundreds of pro-democracy activists attempted to block transport routes to the city's airport.
A passenger walks to the airport on September 1 as pro-democracy protesters blocked a road outside the airport.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
A passenger walks to the airport on September 1 as pro-democracy protesters blocked a road outside the airport.
A protester uses a slingshot outside the Central Government Complex during clashes with police on Saturday, August 31. Thousands of pro-democracy protesters held an anti-government rally one day after several leading activists and lawmakers were arrested in a sweeping crackdown.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
A protester uses a slingshot outside the Central Government Complex during clashes with police on Saturday, August 31. Thousands of pro-democracy protesters held an anti-government rally one day after several leading activists and lawmakers were arrested in a sweeping crackdown.
Protesters light a Molotov cocktail on August 31.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Protesters light a Molotov cocktail on August 31.
Protesters take cover as policemen fire blue-colored water on them. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters take cover as policemen fire blue-colored water on them. Blue dye can be used to stain and identify masked protesters.
A surveillance camera is covered with white paint during protests.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Jae C. Hong/AP
A surveillance camera is covered with white paint during protests.
An overhead view shows protesters reacting after police fired tear gas on August 31.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
An overhead view shows protesters reacting after police fired tear gas on August 31.
Pro-democracy activists Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong speak to the media after they were released on bail at the Eastern Magistrates Courts on Friday, August 30. They were arrested earlier the same day in a dragnet across Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy activists Agnes Chow and Joshua Wong speak to the media after they were released on bail at the Eastern Magistrates Courts on Friday, August 30. They were arrested earlier the same day in a dragnet across Hong Kong.
Protesters clash with police after a rally in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district on Sunday, August 25. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/25/asia/hong-kong-protest-aug-25-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">It was one of the most violent nights</a> seen in Hong Kong since mass protests began in June.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
Protesters clash with police after a rally in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district on Sunday, August 25. It was one of the most violent nights seen in Hong Kong since mass protests began in June.
A police officer aims a gun in front of a protester on August 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Lam Yik Fei/The New York Times/Redux Pictures
A police officer aims a gun in front of a protester on August 25.
Some protesters shine laser pointers at police lines on August 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Some protesters shine laser pointers at police lines on August 25.
Protesters pick up bricks to be used as projectiles on August 24.<br />
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters pick up bricks to be used as projectiles on August 24.
Police retreat after clashing with protesters on August 24.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Police retreat after clashing with protesters on August 24.
Cell phones shine from the top of Lion Rock on August 23.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
Cell phones shine from the top of Lion Rock on August 23.
Protesters march under umbrellas on Sunday, August 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
Protesters march under umbrellas on Sunday, August 18.
Tens of thousands of protesters showed up in the streets on August 18.
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Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Tens of thousands of protesters showed up in the streets on August 18.
A protester participates in a march on Saturday, August 17. His eye is covered with red gauze, referencing a woman who was allegedly shot in the eye with a beanbag round during clashes between protesters and police.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
A protester participates in a march on Saturday, August 17. His eye is covered with red gauze, referencing a woman who was allegedly shot in the eye with a beanbag round during clashes between protesters and police.
Protesters point lasers at the Sham Shui Po police station on August 14.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Yu/AP
Protesters point lasers at the Sham Shui Po police station on August 14.
A police officer falls over an airport luggage trolley during a scuffle with pro-democracy protesters on Tuesday, August 13. For two days, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/13/asia/hong-kong-airport-chaos-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">protesters flooded the airport.</a> Check-ins were suspended and dozens of outgoing flights were canceled.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images
A police officer falls over an airport luggage trolley during a scuffle with pro-democracy protesters on Tuesday, August 13. For two days, protesters flooded the airport. Check-ins were suspended and dozens of outgoing flights were canceled.
A traveler passes her luggage to security guards as she tries to enter the departures gate.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
A traveler passes her luggage to security guards as she tries to enter the departures gate.
A display board shows canceled flights on August 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vernon Yuen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
A display board shows canceled flights on August 13.
Medics look after a woman who received a facial injury during clashes on Sunday, August 11.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Medics look after a woman who received a facial injury during clashes on Sunday, August 11.
A pro-democracy protester is held by police outside the Tsim Sha Tsui police station on August 11.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Manan Vatsyayana/AFP/Getty Images
A pro-democracy protester is held by police outside the Tsim Sha Tsui police station on August 11.
Police fire tear gas at protesters during a demonstration in the Wong Tai Sin District on Monday, August 5.
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Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Police fire tear gas at protesters during a demonstration in the Wong Tai Sin District on Monday, August 5.
A train passenger gestures toward a protester, right, who was preventing the doors of a train from closing on August 5. The protester was trying to disrupt Hong Kong's morning rush-hour commute.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
A train passenger gestures toward a protester, right, who was preventing the doors of a train from closing on August 5. The protester was trying to disrupt Hong Kong's morning rush-hour commute.
A man comforts his pregnant wife near a train platform after protesters blocked the train doors on August 5.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
A man comforts his pregnant wife near a train platform after protesters blocked the train doors on August 5.
A protester stands in tear gas during a confrontation with police in the early hours of Sunday, August 4.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Elson Li/AP
A protester stands in tear gas during a confrontation with police in the early hours of Sunday, August 4.
A Chinese flag floats in water after it was thrown by protesters during a demonstration on Saturday, August 3.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vincent Thian/AP
A Chinese flag floats in water after it was thrown by protesters during a demonstration on Saturday, August 3.
Members of Hong Kong's medical sector attend a protest in Edinburgh Place on Friday, August 2.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Members of Hong Kong's medical sector attend a protest in Edinburgh Place on Friday, August 2.
The emblem on the China Liaison Office is protected by plexiglass during a demonstration on Sunday, July 28.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
The emblem on the China Liaison Office is protected by plexiglass during a demonstration on Sunday, July 28.
A protester flees from baton-wielding police in the Yuen Long district of Hong Kong on Saturday, July 27.
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Eric Tsang/HK01 via AP
A protester flees from baton-wielding police in the Yuen Long district of Hong Kong on Saturday, July 27.
A protester looks through umbrellas during the clashes with police on July 27.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Miguel Candela/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
A protester looks through umbrellas during the clashes with police on July 27.
Travelers watch as protesters rally at Hong Kong's international airport on Friday, July 26.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
Travelers watch as protesters rally at Hong Kong's international airport on Friday, July 26.
Protesters clash with police on Sunday, July 21.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Protesters clash with police on Sunday, July 21.
Masked men in white T-shirts are seen after <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/23/asia/hong-kong-triad-arrests-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">attacking anti-extradition bill demonstrators</a> at a train station in Yuen Long.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Tyrone Siu/Reuters
Masked men in white T-shirts are seen after attacking anti-extradition bill demonstrators at a train station in Yuen Long.
Medical workers help a protester affected by tear gas on July 21.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Bobby Yip/AP
Medical workers help a protester affected by tear gas on July 21.
The office of pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was trashed by protesters in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
The office of pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was trashed by protesters in Hong Kong's Tsuen Wan district.
Police officers use pepper spray to disperse protesters after a rally in the Sheung Shui district on Saturday, July 13.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Police officers use pepper spray to disperse protesters after a rally in the Sheung Shui district on Saturday, July 13.
A demonstrator sprays paint inside a chamber at Hong Kong's Legislative Council building, where protesters forced their way in on Monday, July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Tyrone Siu/Reuters
A demonstrator sprays paint inside a chamber at Hong Kong's Legislative Council building, where protesters forced their way in on Monday, July 1.
A protester smashes a window of the Legislative Council building.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Ritchie B. Tongo/EPA-EFE/Shutters/Shutterstock
A protester smashes a window of the Legislative Council building.
Columns of sunlight are cast on a crowd during the march on July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
Columns of sunlight are cast on a crowd during the march on July 1.
Helicopters carrying the flags of China and Hong Kong fly over demonstrators on July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kyle Lam/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Helicopters carrying the flags of China and Hong Kong fly over demonstrators on July 1.
A police officer uses pepper spray during a clash with protesters on July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A police officer uses pepper spray during a clash with protesters on July 1.
A protester wearing a T-shirt with the word "revolution" walks past an inscription on a road that reads "Long Live HK."
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Kin Cheung/AP
A protester wearing a T-shirt with the word "revolution" walks past an inscription on a road that reads "Long Live HK."
Police detain protesters near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on July 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Vivek Prakash/AFP/Getty Images
Police detain protesters near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on July 1.
An overhead view shows thousands of protesters marching through a Hong Kong street on Sunday, June 16.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
STR/AFP/Getty Images
An overhead view shows thousands of protesters marching through a Hong Kong street on Sunday, June 16.
Protesters run after police fired tear gas on Wednesday, June 12.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters run after police fired tear gas on Wednesday, June 12.
By the morning of June 12, tens of thousands of mainly young people had arrived in the area, blocking streets and bringing central Hong Kong to a standstill.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Athit Perawongmetha/Reuters
By the morning of June 12, tens of thousands of mainly young people had arrived in the area, blocking streets and bringing central Hong Kong to a standstill.
A demonstrator holds a sign during the June 12 rally.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Dale De La Rey/AFP/Getty Images
A demonstrator holds a sign during the June 12 rally.
Police officers charge toward protesters during clashes on Monday, June 10. It was a continuation of protests that started the day before.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Police officers charge toward protesters during clashes on Monday, June 10. It was a continuation of protests that started the day before.
Protesters on June 9 waved placards and wore white -- the designated color of the rally. "Hong Kong, never give up!" some chanted.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Dale De La Rey/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters on June 9 waved placards and wore white -- the designated color of the rally. "Hong Kong, never give up!" some chanted.
Students wear chains during a demonstration on Saturday, June 8.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
Dale De La Rey/AFP/Getty Images
Students wear chains during a demonstration on Saturday, June 8.

Waiting game

During the 2014 Umbrella Movement, when tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters occupied parts of the city for several months, the local government and police took a hands off approach, watching as the mood in some areas turned against the movement as it became increasingly disruptive to local businesses and general life.

That appears to be the current strategy as well, combined with hardline policing of any violent protests, and increased arrests of alleged ringleaders. Almost 600 people have been arrested so far, police said this week, for a range of offenses including “taking part in a riot,” unlawful assembly, assaulting police officers, resisting arrest and possession of offensive weapons.

Speaking to CNN this week, a senior Hong Kong government official suggested the intention was to wait the protests out, saying that numbers and enthusiasm were shrinking as the demonstrations became increasingly disruptive.

The official said there was no chance of the government responding to protesters’ demands, including a full withdrawal of a now-suspended extradition law which kicked off the current crisis and the resignation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

On whether China’s military would be deployed to Hong Kong to deal with the protests, the official said that there was no intention by the local or Chinese government to do so at this time.

“We know the consequences,” the official said, adding that Hong Kong police were capable of dealing with the increasing violent protests. However, he added that some protesters were risking such a reaction with provocative actions targeting China’s offices in the city and the national flag.

“This is very dangerous,” the official said.

Earlier this week, Yang, the Chinese official, said protesters should not “mistake our restraint for weakness.”

“We would like to make it clear to the very small group of unscrupulous and violent criminals and the dirty forces behind them – those who play with fire will perish by it,” Yang said.

CNN’s Eric Cheung, Julia Hollingsworth, Ben Westcott, Lily Lee and Sandi Sidhu contributed reporting.