No force can stop China’s progress, says Xi in National Day speech

Helen Regan James Griffiths
By Helen Regan and James Griffiths, CNN
Updated 5:35 AM EDT, Tue October 1, 2019
World News
Chinese troops take part in a rehearsal ahead of a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China.
Chinese troops take part in a rehearsal ahead of a military parade in Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 2019, to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China.
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President Xi Jinping emphasized unity, development and strength as he addressed the world on the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China on Tuesday, saying: “There is no force that can shake the foundation of this great nation.”

Standing in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong declared the founding of the PRC on October 1, 1949, Xi added: “Today a socialist China is standing in front the world.”

“No force can stop the Chinese people and the Chinese nation forging ahead,” he said in front of jubilant crowds cheering and waving Chinese flags.

Xi’s address was heavy on nationalist strokes, playing into the long-term Communist Party narrative of lifting China from the “century of humiliation” it suffered under the Qing Dynasty, amid invasion by colonial powers including the United Kingdom and Japan.

Xi pointedly brought up Hong Kong, where anti-government protests have been raging for more than three months, saying that China must remain “committed to the strategy of peaceful reinforcement of one country two systems,” the framework that governs the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

“We will maintain long-term stability of Hong Kong and Macao, the development of cross-strait relations, and continue to strive for the complete unification of the country,” Xi said.

Hours after Xi’s speech, protests erupted across Hong Kong. Thousands of people joined an unauthorized march through the Causeway Bay shopping district, and police fired tear gas at protesters who blocked traffic and started building barricades in other parts of the city. Officers also used a water cannon tinted with blue dye in response to protesters throwing petrol bombs.

Fireworks explode over Tiananmen Square as performers take part in the evening gala marking National Day, the 70th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China, in Beijing, China, on Tuesday, October 1.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Jason Lee/Reuters
Fireworks explode over Tiananmen Square as performers take part in the evening gala marking National Day, the 70th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China, in Beijing, China, on Tuesday, October 1.
Chinese soldiers shout as they march in formation during the 70th anniversary parade.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Chinese soldiers shout as they march in formation during the 70th anniversary parade.
Planes from the Chinese People's Liberation Army air force fly in formation as part of the 70th anniversary celebration in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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Planes from the Chinese People's Liberation Army air force fly in formation as part of the 70th anniversary celebration in Beijing.
Residents watch Chinese military planes fly in formation above the capital city.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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Residents watch Chinese military planes fly in formation above the capital city.
Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping, center, stand on Tiananmen Gate above the large portrait of the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping, center, stand on Tiananmen Gate above the large portrait of the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
A formation of Dongfeng-17 conventional missiles are featured during the military parade in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Pan Yulong /Xinhua via Getty Images
A formation of Dongfeng-17 conventional missiles are featured during the military parade in Beijing.
Participants wave flowers as they march next to a float commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Participants wave flowers as they march next to a float commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, with former presidents Jiang Zemin, right, and Hu Jintao, left, attend the celebration in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Ng Han Guan/AP
Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, with former presidents Jiang Zemin, right, and Hu Jintao, left, attend the celebration in Beijing.
Balloons fly past a national flag at the end of a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images
Balloons fly past a national flag at the end of a military parade at Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
A protester is seen carrying rocks on a street in the Sha Tin district of Hong Kong on October 1. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2019/06/09/world/gallery/hong-kong-extradition-protest/index.html" target="_blank">Pro-democracy demonstrations continue</a> as the city observes China's National Day.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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A protester is seen carrying rocks on a street in the Sha Tin district of Hong Kong on October 1. Pro-democracy demonstrations continue as the city observes China's National Day.
Army vehicles parade as members of a Chinese military honor guard march during the 70th anniversary celebrations in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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Army vehicles parade as members of a Chinese military honor guard march during the 70th anniversary celebrations in Beijing.
Participants dressed as deliverymen wave during the parade,
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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Participants dressed as deliverymen wave during the parade,
A child uses binoculars to watch the floats in the anniversary parade.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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A child uses binoculars to watch the floats in the anniversary parade.
An onlooker photographs the Chinese military planes as they trail colored smoke during the celebrations.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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An onlooker photographs the Chinese military planes as they trail colored smoke during the celebrations.
Veterans and relatives of revolutionary martyrs take part in the National Day parade in Tiananmen Square.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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Veterans and relatives of revolutionary martyrs take part in the National Day parade in Tiananmen Square.
Chinese female militia members march in formation.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Chinese female militia members march in formation.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam arrives at the celebrations in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Sheng Jiapeng/CNS via Reuters
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam arrives at the celebrations in Beijing.
Pro-Beijing supporters wave Chinese flags on the Star Ferry in Hong Kong.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
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Pro-Beijing supporters wave Chinese flags on the Star Ferry in Hong Kong.
Helicopters fly the flags of China and Hong Kong over Victoria Harbour during a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Helicopters fly the flags of China and Hong Kong over Victoria Harbour during a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong.
A screen shows Chinese President Xi Jinping delivering a speech at the start of the parade in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
A screen shows Chinese President Xi Jinping delivering a speech at the start of the parade in Beijing.
Participants march during the celebration to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Ng Han Guan/AP
Participants march during the celebration to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China in Beijing.
A girl holds a Chinese flag as people watch a military parade along the security perimeter established around the official ceremony in Tiananmen Square.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images
A girl holds a Chinese flag as people watch a military parade along the security perimeter established around the official ceremony in Tiananmen Square.
Chinese military forces rehearse before the parade.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
Chinese military forces rehearse before the parade.
Attendees take photos as they arrive for the commemoration events in Beijing.
Photos: In photos: China celebrates 70th National Day
Mark Schiefelbein/AP
Attendees take photos as they arrive for the commemoration events in Beijing.

Military might

Earlier, after inspecting troops along Beijing’s Chang’an Avenue, Xi presided over a massive military parade showing off some of the world’s most advanced weaponry.

About 15,000 personnel, more than 160 aircraft and 580 pieces of weaponry and equipment were involved. Key among those was drone technology – of which Beijing boasts some of the world’s best – and advanced missile systems.

Helicopters flew national flags across the sky and aircraft flew in formation to create a “70,” in honor of the 70th anniversary. However the grand effect was spoiled somewhat by high levels of smog – according to the World Air Quality Index, the AQI in the Chinese capital is 159 today, “unhealthy” on the international scale.

One highlight of the parade was the first public appearance of the the DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile, said Carnegie Tsinghua Center senior fellow and military analyst Tong Zhao. Much of the pre-event hype had focused on the weapon, thought to be the mainstay of the People’s Liberation Army Rocket Forces (PLARF) arsenal and, by some estimations, the most powerful missile on the planet.

China paraded the powerful DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time.
China paraded the powerful DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile for the first time.
Ng Han Guan/AP

“It is believed to have a big payload capacity, which means it can deliver very heavy payload to very long distances. So most likely this missile will be armed with more than one warhead, but we don’t know how many it can accommodate. Some say it can accommodate as much as 10, but we don’t know. That would make it very powerful,” Tong said.

Along with traditional air drones, China paraded its underwater vehicles including what could be its first undersea drone. Speaking on the live broadcast, a state TV commentator said the underwater drone could “dive deep under the sea” for surveillance and to carry missiles.

China also paraded a range of stealth drones. While the drones were not labeled or announced by state TV, analysts had predicted their appearance for weeks. One drone, the DR-8, is thought to be able to fly up to five times the speed of sound.

Another heavyweight was the giant JL-2 submarine missile – the main weapon aboard China’s Jin-class fleet of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.

A colorful “citizens march” followed the military parade with 100,000 people, 70 floats and 36 formations organized around the themes of founding of a nation, reform and opening up, and great rejuvenation.

The JL-2 submarine missiles parade down Chang'an Avenue in Beijing.
The JL-2 submarine missiles parade down Chang'an Avenue in Beijing.
CCTV

Image of strength and unity

Beijing has been on high alert for weeks, with a heavy security clampdown including road closures, the banning of flying drones, kites and even racing pigeons, as well as greater restrictions on the already-heavily censored internet.

Early Tuesday, the enormous streets of the Chinese capital were almost completely deserted. Checkpoints manned by dozens of guards and metal barriers had blocked all roads leading to Tiananmen Square, rendering large parts of the inner city entirely inaccessible.

Hundreds of Chinese flags adorned streets and shopping malls, and cinemas were running exclusive screenings of the military parade.

There was an air of excitement among residents. In Dongcheng district, retired 67-year-old Guo Fucheng said he planned to watch the parade at home with his dog, Feifei.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, with former presidents Jiang Zemin, right, and Hu Jintao, left, attend the celebration to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Beijing, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, center, with former presidents Jiang Zemin, right, and Hu Jintao, left, attend the celebration to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Beijing, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019.
Ng Han Guan/AP

As China marks 70 years of the People's Republic, cracks are showing in Xi Jinping's facade

“China has been through so many rains and storms … I feel very proud of our country, we now have more say on the global stage,” he said.

Beijing is hoping to project an image of national strength and unity.

“It is to show how much progress it has made, and how much more advanced it is compared to years before. Now, China has better capability to defend itself. It deserves equal and fair treatment from other powers,” Tong told CNN in Beijing.

The parade is also designed to show the capabilities of President Xi, who is the country’s most powerful leader since Mao. “This parade highlights him as the paramount leader in China who is loved and applauded by the general public. Despite external challenges, he can still enjoy wide public support which he sees as necessary for China as a nation to continue this struggle,” Tong said.

But Xi is facing major tests including the ongoing US-China trade war, rising pork prices and his defining Belt and Road Initiative, a hugely ambitious trade and infrastructure mega-project linking China to markets across central Asia, Europe and Africa that is failing to deliver the economic boom it once promised.

Anti-government protests in Hong Kong are also threatening Xi’s image of a man in control. Pro-democracy protesters have planned citywide demonstrations across the city on Tuesday, threatening to overshadow and disrupt Beijing’s carefully crafted celebrations.

By 9 a.m. local time, there were already reports of protesters being pepper sprayed by police, and more unrest is expected as demonstrators fan out across the city.

Hong Kong unrest threatens to overshadow celebrations

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Protesters train to throw Molotov cocktails into a swimming pool on the campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Protesters walk past barricades of bricks on a road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
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Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters walk past barricades of bricks on a road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Demonstrators gather during a lunchtime protest in the financial district of Hong Kong on November 14.
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Vincent Yu/AP
Demonstrators gather during a lunchtime protest in the financial district of Hong Kong on November 14.
A protester releases a flaming arrow to light a barricade at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Wednesday, November 13.
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A protester releases a flaming arrow to light a barricade at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Wednesday, November 13.
A Molotov cocktail, a gas mask and a yellow construction helmet are placed upon a bust of late hotel tycoon Hui Yeung Shing at the campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 13.
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A Molotov cocktail, a gas mask and a yellow construction helmet are placed upon a bust of late hotel tycoon Hui Yeung Shing at the campus of The Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 13.
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 fire is seen at a Mass Transit Railway (MTR) station during a demonstration at The Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 13.
Students attempt to clear tear gas canisters fired by riot police onto a sports track during a confrontation at the Chinese University in Hong Kong on Tuesday, November 12.
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Students attempt to clear tear gas canisters fired by riot police onto a sports track during a confrontation at the Chinese University in Hong Kong on Tuesday, November 12.
A man is detained during a protest at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 12.
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A man is detained during a protest at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on November 12.
Students block an escalator with chairs in an attempt to hamper police at the University of Hong Kong on November 12.
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Kin Cheung/AP
Students block an escalator with chairs in an attempt to hamper police at the University of Hong Kong on November 12.
A protester is detained in the Central District of Hong Kong on November 11.
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Vincent Yu/AP
A protester is detained in the Central District of Hong Kong on November 11.
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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People react after tear gas was fired by police during a protest in Hong Kong's Central District on November 11.
Riot police face off with protesters at an entrance of a shopping mall during a demonstration on November 10.
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Riot police face off with protesters at an entrance of a shopping mall during a demonstration on November 10.
A man is helped by a volunteer medic after police used pepper spray 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.
Students of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) participate in a march on November 8, after hospital officials confirmed the <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/07/asia/hong-kong-protester-death-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">death of student Chow Tsz-lok</a>, 22. Police say Chow, a computer sciences student at HKUST, fell from the third floor to the second floor of a parking garage in the residential area of Tseung Kwan O in the early hours of November 4.
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Students of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) participate in a march on November 8, after hospital officials confirmed the death of student Chow Tsz-lok, 22. Police say Chow, a computer sciences student at HKUST, fell from the third floor to the second floor of a parking garage in the residential area of Tseung Kwan O in the early hours of November 4.
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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A person places a flower at a memorial for 22-year-old Hong Kong university student Chow Tsz-lok on November 8.
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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Students in gas masks are seen during a graduation ceremony at the Chinese University of Hong Kong on Thursday, November 7 in Hong Kong.
Firefighters stand outside the offices of China's Xinhua News Agency after its windows were damaged by protesters in Hong Kong on Saturday, November 2. Hong Kong riot police fired multiple rounds of tear gas and used a water cannon Saturday to break up a rally by thousands of masked protesters demanding autonomy after Beijing indicated it could tighten its grip on the Chinese territory.
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Kin Cheung/AP
Firefighters stand outside the offices of China's Xinhua News Agency after its windows were damaged by protesters in Hong Kong on Saturday, November 2. Hong Kong riot police fired multiple rounds of tear gas and used a water cannon Saturday to break up a rally by thousands of masked protesters demanding autonomy after Beijing indicated it could tighten its grip on the Chinese territory.
Richard Chan, a candidate for the district council elections, reacts after being pepper-sprayed by police in Hong Kong on November 2.
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Richard Chan, a candidate for the district council elections, reacts after being pepper-sprayed by police in Hong Kong on November 2.
Thousands of black-clad masked protesters streamed into Hong Kong's central shopping district for another rally on November 2.
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Kin Cheung/AP
Thousands of black-clad masked protesters streamed into Hong Kong's central shopping district for another rally on November 2.
A person dressed as President Donald Trump waves an American flag on a street in Hong Kong on Thursday, October 31, 2019. Hong Kong authorities braced as pro-democracy protesters urged people on Thursday to celebrate Halloween by wearing masks on a march in defiance of a <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/30/asia/halloween-hong-kong-mask-ban-intl-hnk/index.html" target="_blank">government ban on face coverings</a>.
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A person dressed as President Donald Trump waves an American flag on a street in Hong Kong on Thursday, October 31, 2019. Hong Kong authorities braced as pro-democracy protesters urged people on Thursday to celebrate Halloween by wearing masks on a march in defiance of a government ban on face coverings.
A man dressed as the Joker for Halloween walks past police officers on October 31.
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Kin Cheung/AP
A man dressed as the Joker for Halloween walks past police officers on October 31.
Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong (second from left) and Kelvin Lam (second from right) shout slogans as they meet the media outside the Legislative Council (LegCo) in Hong Kong on October 29, 2019, after Wong was barred from standing in an upcoming local election.
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Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong (second from left) and Kelvin Lam (second from right) shout slogans as they meet the media outside the Legislative Council (LegCo) in Hong Kong on October 29, 2019, after Wong was barred from standing in an upcoming local election.
A protester throws a tear gas canister on October 27 in Hong Kong.
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A protester throws a tear gas canister on October 27 in Hong Kong.
A couple wearing Guy Fawkes masks watch a rally at Chater Garden in Hong Kong on October 26.
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A couple wearing Guy Fawkes masks watch a rally at Chater Garden in Hong Kong on October 26.
Protesters start a fire in front of the MTR station during demonstration on October 27.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pro-democracy protesters set fires in the street in the Causeway Bay area.
People protest the ban against masks on Saturday, October 5.
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People protest the ban against masks on Saturday, October 5.
An anti-government protester stands near a fire on Friday, October 4.
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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.
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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.
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Protesters set a fire at a China Construction Bank.
Protesters spray paint slogans at the entrance to a tunnel on October 4.
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Protesters spray paint slogans at the entrance to a tunnel on October 4.
A store is in shambles after being vandalized by protesters.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A surveillance camera is covered with white paint during protests.
An overhead view shows protesters reacting after police fired tear gas on August 31.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 />
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Protesters pick up bricks to be used as projectiles on August 24.
Police retreat after clashing with protesters on August 24.
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Police retreat after clashing with protesters on August 24.
Cell phones shine from the top of Lion Rock on August 23.
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Cell phones shine from the top of Lion Rock on August 23.
Protesters march under umbrellas on Sunday, August 18.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Travelers watch as protesters rally at Hong Kong's international airport on Friday, July 26.
Protesters clash with police on Sunday, July 21.
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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.
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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.

The formal celebrations in Hong Kong began with a flag-raising ceremony typical of official holidays at the city’s Golden Bauhania Square, while helicopters bearing Chinese and Hong Kong flags also did a flyby.

But the annual National Day fireworks have been canceled and a number of key subway stations closed over safety concerns.

Protesters, many of whom are strongly anti-China, have planned a series of demonstrations in six different districts across the city, as well as a mass march that wasn’t approved by police – making it an unlawful assembly.

The past few days have been marked with violence as protesters clashed with riot police in the 17th consecutive weekend of demonstrations. Protesters threw petrol bombs and set fires as police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, bean bag rounds and a water cannon tinted with blue dye. An officer also fired one live warning shot into the air on Sunday evening.

Illustration by Jonny Wan

The rise of the Chinese Communist Party-approved blockbuster

At a press conference Monday, local police said the protests were “moving one step closer to terrorism.”

“We are on the verge of extreme danger,” a police official said. “All acts are one step closer to terrorism. We are deeply concerned about public safety tomorrow and we express the strongest condemnation against all criminal and violent acts.”

The protests, initially over a now-withdrawn extradition bill to mainland China, have grown more violent as the weeks pushed on, evolving to include five demands including universal suffrage.

Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam attended the celebrations in Beijing alongside 240 other delegates from the city.

CNN’s Jessie Yeung, Ben Westcott and Brad Lendon contributed.