Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Hong Kong protesters threaten to occupy government buildings if leader does not resign by Thursday amid fears China has hacked into demonstrators' phones

Mail Online 

  • Huge crowds of pro-democracy protesters spread to new areas of central Hong Kong on Chinese National Day
  • Campaigners are threatening to occupy state building if territory's Chief Executive does not step down from office
  • Leung Chun-ying has until tomorrow to resign or demonstrators will 'step up their actions', protest leaders say 
  • Meanwhile Beijing security officials have been accused of using sophisticated malware to hack into protesters phones 
  • News comes on Chinese National Day - marking the 65th anniversary China's founding by the Communist Party 
  • Territory's last British Governor Lord Patten calls for talks and democracy to replace tear gas

Student leaders of huge pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong say that if the territory's leader doesn't resign by tomorrow they will step up their actions, including occupying several important government buildings. 
Tens of thousands of protesters jeered Chinese National Day celebrations on the streets of Hong Kong this morning, as security officials in Beijing were accused of using sophisticated malware technology to glean person information from protesters communicating with iPhones or iPads.
There was little sign of momentum flagging on the fifth day of the mass campaign, whose aim has been to occupy sections of the city in order to express fury at a Chinese decision to limit voters' choices in Hong Kong's 2017 leadership election. 

Determined: As night fell on the fourth day of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, thousands of demonstrators were still in place outside government offices as student  leaders warned that if the territory's leader doesn't resign by tomorrow they will step up their actions and occupy several important government buildings
Determined: As night fell on the fourth day of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, thousands of demonstrators were still in place outside government offices as student  leaders warned that if the territory's leader doesn't resign by tomorrow they will step up their actions and occupy several important government buildings
Keeping cool under pressure: A pro-democracy student protester sprays water mist over demonstrators in the streets surrounding the city's financial district
Keeping cool under pressure: A pro-democracy student protester sprays water mist over demonstrators in the streets surrounding the city's financial district
Show of support: Pro-democracy protest leaders clarified their ultimatum for the Hong Kong government, after pro-democracy demonstrators turned their backs on a Chinese flag-raising ceremony for National Day
Show of support: Pro-democracy protest leaders clarified their ultimatum for the Hong Kong government, after pro-democracy demonstrators turned their backs on a Chinese flag-raising ceremony for National Day
City of light: Tens of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators, some waving lights from mobile phones, fill the streets of Hong Kong's financial district
City of light: Tens of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators, some waving lights from mobile phones, fill the streets of Hong Kong's financial district
Show of hands:  Student protester, Kyle, 18,  holds up a light on his phone while chanting pro-democracy slogans during evening speeches at the protest site
Show of hands: Student protester, Kyle, 18, holds up a light on his phone while chanting pro-democracy slogans during evening speeches at the protest site
In good voice:  Protesters chant pro-democracy slogans during evening speeches as thousands of pro-democracy supporters continue to occupy the streets
In good voice: Protesters chant pro-democracy slogans during evening speeches as thousands of pro-democracy supporters continue to occupy the streets
Words and action: This civil disobedience message has been written on the street in chalk by one of the thousands of demonstrators
Words and action: This civil disobedience message has been written on the street in chalk by one of the thousands of demonstrators
United: Students, many who had written messages across their bodies, cheer and sing as speeches rallying the crowds took place tonight
United: Students, many who had written messages across their bodies, cheer and sing as speeches rallying the crowds took place tonight

Some protesters could this morning be heard jeering Chinese National Day celebrations despite earlier fears that police would use force to move the massive crowds on before events marking the 65th anniversary of the Communist Party's foundation of the People's Republic of China began. 
Meanwhile, at a news conference today, Lester Shum - vice secretary of Hong Kong's Federation of Students - said that although the protesters would welcome the chance to speak with a Chinese central government official about the ongoing crisis, they were no longer willing to negotiate with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who they demand steps down from office by tomorrow.
The unprecedented show of defiance comes as technology experts accused China of targeting protesters with sophisticated malware programmes that can obtain personal details from their Apple devices, including contacts, passwords and photographs. 
United: Umbrellas are seen being set-up together this morning, symbolising the so-called 'umbrella revolution' of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong
United: Umbrellas are seen being set-up together this morning, symbolising the so-called 'umbrella revolution' of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong
Campaign: Protesters were pictured massing in central Hong Kong as dawn broke this morning. The demonstrations spread from four main areas to Tsim Sha Tsui - a shopping area popular with mainland Chinese visitors. It would usually do a roaring trade during the annual National Day holiday
Campaign: Protesters were pictured massing in central Hong Kong as dawn broke this morning. The demonstrations spread from four main areas to Tsim Sha Tsui - a shopping area popular with mainland Chinese visitors. It would usually do a roaring trade during the annual National Day holiday
Hope for the future: A woman holds a patriotic placard at a large pro-democracy protest in central Hong Kong at dawn this morning
Hope for the future: A woman holds a patriotic placard at a large pro-democracy protest in central Hong Kong at dawn this morning
Occupation: Student leaders of the huge pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong say that if the territory's leader doesn't resign by tomorrow they will step up their actions, including occupying several important government buildings
Occupation: Student leaders of the huge pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong say that if the territory's leader doesn't resign by tomorrow they will step up their actions, including occupying several important government buildings
Throng: The crowds have brought large sections of the Asian financial hub to a standstill over the past five days, disrupting businesses from banks to jewellers
Throng: The crowds have brought large sections of the Asian financial hub to a standstill over the past five days, disrupting businesses from banks to jewellers
Numbers: There was little sign of momentum flagging on the fifth day of the mass campaign, whose aim has been to occupy sections of the city in order to express fury at a Chinese decision to limit voters' choices in Hong Kong's 2017 leadership election 
Numbers: There was little sign of momentum flagging on the fifth day of the mass campaign, whose aim has been to occupy sections of the city in order to express fury at a Chinese decision to limit voters' choices in Hong Kong's 2017 leadership election 
Differences: A  protester argues with a pro-Beijing demonstrator (not pictured) as people block areas around the government headquarters building in Hong Kong today
Differences: A protester argues with a pro-Beijing demonstrator (not pictured) as people block areas around the government headquarters building in Hong Kong today

HONG KONG'S LAST BRITISH GOVERNOR LORD PATTEN CALLS FOR DIALOGUE TO REPLACE TEAR GAS

Dialogue should replace tear gas and pepper sprays in order to 'move things forward' in the wake of continuing pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, Lord Patten has said.
The last British Governor of Hong Kong said the issue had been 'very badly mishandled' and called into question whether the Chinese authorities and those who represented them in the government of Hong Kong had actually taken the Joint Declaration 'as seriously as they should'.
Giving his reaction to the demonstrations, the Conservative peer told BBC Radio 4's World At One programme: 'Well I think everybody all round the world has been seeing the pictures which I hope the authorities in Beijing take note of and I hope that at the top in Beijing they've seen some of the pictures as well, even if they have denied them to the people of China.
'The suggestion that all this has been stirred up by outside agitators is a slur on all these people in Hong Kong, many of them very young, who are standing up for what they were promised.
'That they were promised this is absolutely clear, it's not just the Joint Declaration which gives Britain the obligation to watch what's happening in Hong Kong for fifty years, but in the basic law and in the promises that people were given in Hong Kong, it's absolutely clear that the pace of democratisation is a matter for the Hong Kong government.'
When China took control of Hong Kong in 1997, it agreed to a policy of 'one country, two systems' which allowed it a high degree of control over its own affairs and kept in place liberties unseen on the mainland.
It also promised that the city's leader would eventually be chosen through universal suffrage and Hong Kong residents have long felt their island stood apart from mainland China thanks to those civil liberties and separate legal and financial systems.
He added: 'What really matters now is to move things forward and I think we've got to see dialogue replacing tear gas and pepper sprays.'
Lord Patten said one of the problems was that the leadership in Hong Kong in an earlier period reported on what the views were on democracy in Hong Kong and 'almost certainly misled the leadership'.
In order to save face, he added, the right thing to do was to embark on a new period of genuine consultation.
He said that he was 'pleased' Prime Minister David Cameron had made a statement on the issue, adding: 'I wish everybody had spoken out a bit earlier but the fact is that now is the moment when we have to actually help to resolve this issue and encourage the sort of dialogue which frankly should have happened a long time ago.
'This has been very, very, badly mishandled and the fact that it's been as badly handled of course brings into question whether or not the Chinese authorities and those who represent them in Hong Kong in the government of Hong Kong have actually taken the joint declaration, the Sino-British Joint Declaration, as seriously as they should.'
He added: 'It is a breach of what the Chinese authorities themselves promised Hong Kong. They said that these matters were within the autonomy of the Hong Kong government and now they are reneging on that."
Asked about the "spectre of violence" that took place in Tiananmen Square, and the possibility of a hard line reaction by Beijing, he replied: 'I cannot believe that the Chinese leadership would be so crazy, I can't believe that they would act in such a brutal and immoral way.
'China is concerned about its relationship with the rest of the world, it's concerned about its image in the rest of the world, it's concerned about whether or not it can develop the sort of soft power which should accompany its economic strength and I cannot believe it would be so stupid as to do anything like sending in the army.'
The crowds have brought large sections of the Asian financial hub to a standstill over the past five days, disrupting businesses from banks to jewellers. Overnight thunderstorms failed to dampen spirits and the protesters woke to blue skies on Wednesday.
Riot police had used tear gas, pepper spray and baton charges at the weekend to try to quell the unrest but tensions have eased since then with both sides prepared to wait it out - at least for now.
However cyber-security firm Lacoon Mobile Security has now accused officials of slightly more covert tactics to break-up the protests - employing iOS malware software named Xsser to steal information from protesters who happen to be using iPhones or iPads.
The company claims to have discovered the bug after investigating malware sent to an employee's Android phone via the messaging service Whatsapp.
On attempting to uncover the origin of that malware - which was hidden inside an app claiming to help protesters navigate the Hong Kong protests - Lacoon claims to have discovered another bug aimed expressly at Apple products.
'Cross-Platform attacks that target both iOS and Android devices are rare, and indicate that this may be conducted by a very large organization or nation state,' the company said in a blog post on its website.

HOW XSSER MALWARE WORKS AND WHAT IT CAN BE USED TO TARGET

The exact way Xsser malware ended up on iOS users' phones has yet to be discovered - but it is considered likely to have been spread as a fake app intended to help protesters meet.
Once installed, the bug can operate in the background of a users' phone, gathering information on everything from contacts and call logs, to location information and images.
The malware is not disabled even if the user turns off their iPhone or iPad, as it allegedly reboots on start-up, as well as updating and sending back information automatically.
'The fact that this attack is being used against protesters and is being executed by Chinese-speaking attackers suggests it's first iOS trojan linked to Chinese government cyber activity,' Lacoon added, accusing Beijing-based security officials of creating and spreading the malware.
'Although it shows initial signs of being a targeted attack on Chinese protesters, the full extent of how Xsser mRAT is being used is anyone's guess. It can cross borders easily, and is possibly being operated by a Chinese-speaking entity to spy on individuals, foreign companies, or even entire governments,' they went on to say.
'This is one the most interesting developments we have seen. It's the first real indication that really sophisticated guys are shifting from infecting PCs or laptops to going after iOS devices,' Lacoon's chief executive Michael Shaulov later told Reuters. 
This morning protests spread from four main areas to Tsim Sha Tsui, a shopping area popular with mainland Chinese visitors. It would usually do roaring trade during the annual National Day holiday.
Underlining nervousness among some activists that provocation on National Day could spark violence, protest leaders urged crowds not to disturb the flag-raising ceremony on the Victoria Harbour waterfront earlier this morning.
Proceedings went ahead peacefully, although scores of students who ringed the ceremony at Bauhinia Square overlooking Hong Kong harbour booed as the Chinese national anthem was played.
Memories to savour: A newly-married couple take wedding photographs in front of pro-democracy protesters in central Hong Kong  this morning
Memories to savour: A newly-married couple take wedding photographs in front of pro-democracy protesters in central Hong Kong this morning
From above: The leaders of the demonstrations have said that although the protesters would welcome the chance to speak with a Chinese central government official about the ongoing crisis, they were no longer willing to negotiate with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who they demand steps down from office by tomorrow
From above: The leaders of the demonstrations have said that although the protesters would welcome the chance to speak with a Chinese central government official about the ongoing crisis, they were no longer willing to negotiate with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who they demand steps down from office by tomorrow
Support: Pro-democracy demonstrators gather outside Hong Kong's government offices this morning to demand electoral reform
Support: Pro-democracy demonstrators gather outside Hong Kong's government offices this morning to demand electoral reform

Starting young: A father stands next to his son as the child shouts pro-democracy slogans at a protest site in central Hong Kong this morning
Starting young: A father stands next to his son as the child shouts pro-democracy slogans at a protest site in central Hong Kong this morning
Escalation: Pro-democracy protesters gather in the Mong Kok district of Kowloon in Hong Kong today. They are now threatening to occupy government buildings
Escalation: Pro-democracy protesters gather in the Mong Kok district of Kowloon in Hong Kong today. They are now threatening to occupy government buildings

A young woman in a school uniform urges people to write notes explaining their hopes for pro-democracy protests and pin them on the notice board behind her
A young woman in a school uniform urges people to write notes explaining their hopes for pro-democracy protests and pin them on the notice board behind her
Controversial: Pro-Democracy protesters hold a banner  depicting Hong Kong politicians with Adolf Hitler-style moustaches during this morning's protests
Controversial: Pro-Democracy protesters hold a banner depicting Hong Kong politicians with Adolf Hitler-style moustaches during this morning's protests
Hong Kong's current Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (right) and former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (left) speak at the Chinese National Day ceremony this morning
Hong Kong's current Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (right) and former Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa (left) speak at the Chinese National Day ceremony this morning
Happy: A beaming Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who was appointed by Beijing, shook hands with supporters waving the Chinese flag - even as protesters who want him to stand down chanted: 'We want real democracy'
Happy: A beaming Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who was appointed by Beijing, shook hands with supporters waving the Chinese flag - even as protesters who want him to stand down chanted: 'We want real democracy'
Symbolism: Government helicopters fly past the venue of the Chinese National Day flag-raising with Hong Kong (left) and China (right) flags attached
Symbolism: Government helicopters fly past the venue of the Chinese National Day flag-raising with Hong Kong (left) and China (right) flags attached
Power: Security forces march at a flag raising ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Hong Kong this morning
Power: Security forces march at a flag raising ceremony to mark the 65th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Hong Kong this morning

However, by raising the stakes in the standoff, the student leaders are risking another round of confrontation with the police who are unlikely to allow government buildings to be stormed. It also puts pressure on the Chinese government, which has so far remained silent and preferred to let Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying deal with the crisis.
The student leaders, who have played a key role in organizing the protests to press for greater electoral reforms, would welcome an opportunity to speak to a Chinese central government official, Lester Shum, vice secretary of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, said at a news conference.
'However, we ask them to come to the square and speak to the masses,' Shum said. 'This is a movement of Hong Kongers and not led by any specific group.' Shum demanded that Leung resign by the end of Thursday, and that the student leaders had no interest in talking to him.
Solidarity: Students from Taiwan and Hong Kong raise their mobile phones in front of the Freedom Square as an attendee displays a sign reading 'Support Hong Kong' during a gathering in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protestors, in Taipei
Solidarity: Students from Taiwan and Hong Kong raise their mobile phones in front of the Freedom Square as an attendee displays a sign reading 'Support Hong Kong' during a gathering in support of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protestors, in Taipei
In support: Student Harmony So, originally from Hong Kong, uses tape to secure colorful post-it notes that are stuck on the outside of the Hong Kong House in Sydney, Australia, to show support for the pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong
In support: Student Harmony So, originally from Hong Kong, uses tape to secure colorful post-it notes that are stuck on the outside of the Hong Kong House in Sydney, Australia, to show support for the pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong
Messages: Thousands of post-it notes are stuck to the facade of Hong Kong House in Sydney, carrying words of support for the tens of thousands of protesters
Messages: Thousands of post-it notes are stuck to the facade of Hong Kong House in Sydney, carrying words of support for the tens of thousands of protesters

'Because the government ordered police to fire 87 rounds of tear gas at protests, there is no room for dialogue. Leung Chun-ying must step down. If he doesn't resign by tomorrow we will step up our actions, such as by occupying several important government buildings,' he said, but added that demonstrators won't occupy 'essential' government offices, such as hospitals and social welfare offices.
This morning beaming Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who was appointed by Beijing, shook hands with supporters waving the Chinese flag - even as protesters who want him to stand down chanted: 'We want real democracy'.
'We hope that all sectors of the community will work with the government in a peaceful, lawful, rational and pragmatic manner ... and make a big step forward in our constitutional development,' Leung said in a speech.
The Hong Kong and Chinese flags billowed in the wind at the completion of the ceremony but one of the main protest groups said they marked the occasion 'with a heavy heart'.
'We are not celebrating the 65th anniversary of China. With the present political turmoil in Hong Kong and the continued persecution of human rights activists in China, I think today is not a day for celebrations but rather a day of sadness,' said Oscar Lai, a spokesman for the student group Scholarism.
Display: Banners designed by pro-democracy demonstrators hang from an overpass across Hong Kong's government offices today
Display: Banners designed by pro-democracy demonstrators hang from an overpass across Hong Kong's government offices today

 
Pro-democracy: A demonstrator holds a placard reading 'Stay Calm' while stony faced police officers guarding a Chinese National Day event look on
Pro-democracy: A demonstrator holds a placard reading 'Stay Calm' while stony faced police officers guarding a Chinese National Day event look on
Demonstrators shout anti-government slogans before a phalanx of policemen near the venue where China's National Day flag-raising ceremony took place today
Demonstrators shout anti-government slogans before a phalanx of policemen near the venue where China's National Day flag-raising ceremony took place today
Angry: In this photograph and in the one below, protesters make a gesture of defiance during Chinese National Day celebrations in Hong Kong earlier this morning 
Angry: In this photograph and in the one below, protesters make a gesture of defiance during Chinese National Day celebrations in Hong Kong earlier this morning 

Banner-waving protesters are seen outside the venue of the China National Day flag-raising ceremony on day four of the mass civil disobedience campaign this morning
Banner-waving protesters are seen outside the venue of the China National Day flag-raising ceremony on day four of the mass civil disobedience campaign this morning
All of the lights: Hundreds of people also gathered in front of Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan at dawn this morning to show support for the rallies in Hong Kong's 
All of the lights: Hundreds of people also gathered in front of Liberty Square in Taipei, Taiwan at dawn this morning to show support for the rallies in Hong Kong's 
Hong Kong police watch on from behind barricades as pro-democracy demonstrators gathered near a ceremony marking China's 65th National Day this morning
Hong Kong police watch on from behind barricades as pro-democracy demonstrators gathered near a ceremony marking China's 65th National Day this morning

 Hundreds of demonstrators had gathered outside luxury stores and set up makeshift barricades from the early hours of Wednesday in anticipation of possible clashes. As in most parts of Hong Kong, the police presence was small.
Protesters have set up supply stations with water bottles, fruit, crackers, disposable raincoats, towels, goggles, face masks and tents.
M. Lau, a 56-year-old retiree, said he had taken to the streets of Hong Kong to protest in the 1980s and wanted to do so again in a show of solidarity with a movement that has been led by students as well as more established activists.
'Our parents and grandparents came to Hong Kong for freedom and the rule of law. This (protest) is to maintain our 160-year-old legal system for the next generation,' Lau said.
The protests are the worst in Hong Kong since China resumed its rule of the former British colony in 1997. They also represent one of the biggest political challenges for Beijing since it violently crushed pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989.
Cracking down too hard could shake confidence in market-driven Hong Kong, which has a separate legal system from the rest of China. Not reacting firmly enough, however, could embolden dissidents on the mainland.
Rally: Pro-democracy demonstrators listen to a speech during a protest in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong at dawn this morning
Rally: Pro-democracy demonstrators listen to a speech during a protest in the Admiralty district of Hong Kong at dawn this morning
After an evening of protests, pro-democracy demonstrators wake-up inside tents in the city centre. The street they are occupying would normally be clogged with traffic
After an evening of protests, pro-democracy demonstrators wake-up inside tents in the city centre. The street they are occupying would normally be clogged with traffic

Time out: Pro-democracy campaigners rest in an office building after overnight protests in the Wanchai district of Hong Kong 
Time out: Pro-democracy campaigners rest in an office building after overnight protests in the Wanchai district of Hong Kong 
Protesters gather around the Golden Baihinia Square before an official flag raising ceremony to commemorate the Chinese National Day in Hong Kong, October 1, 2014. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters extended a blockade of Hong Kong streets on, stockpiling supplies and erecting makeshift barricades ahead of what some fear may be a push by police to clear the roads before Chinese National Day.  REUTERS/Carlos Barria (CHINA - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS)

Prepared: Protesters gather around the Golden Baihinia Square before an official flag raising ceremony to commemorate the Chinese National Day in Hong Kong this morning. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters extended a blockade of Hong Kong streets today, stockpiling supplies and erecting makeshift barricades
Relaxing: Pro-democracy demonstrators are reflected in a puddle of rain water during a rally close to where China's National Day flag-raising ceremony took place
Relaxing: Pro-democracy demonstrators are reflected in a puddle of rain water during a rally close to where China's National Day flag-raising ceremony took place
Chiling out: A  demonstrator with the word 'democracy' written on her leg relaxes outside Hong Kong's government offices this morning
Chiling out: A demonstrator with the word 'democracy' written on her leg relaxes outside Hong Kong's government offices this morning

Scale: The majority of the centre of Hong Kong - usually so clogged with traffic - has been taken over by pro-democracy protesters arguing for electoral reform
Scale: The majority of the centre of Hong Kong - usually so clogged with traffic - has been taken over by pro-democracy protesters arguing for electoral reform

China rules Hong Kong under a 'one country, two systems' formula that accords it some autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China, with universal suffrage an eventual goal.
However, protesters reacted angrily when Beijing decreed on Aug. 31 that it would vet candidates wishing to run for Hong Kong's leadership.
Leung has said Beijing would not back down in the face of protests and that Hong Kong police would be able to maintain security without help from People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops from the mainland.
Communist Party leaders in Beijing worry that calls for democracy could spread to the mainland, and have been aggressively censoring news and social media comments about the Hong Kong demonstrations.
Cybersecurity researchers in the United States said they had found a computer virus that spies on Apple Inc's iOS operating system for iPhones and iPads that they believe is targeting the protesters in Hong Kong.
Researchers from Lacoon Mobile Security said the code used to control the server was written in Chinese by 'really sophisticated guys'.
Hong Kong shares fell to a three-month low on Tuesday, registering their biggest monthly fall since May 2012. Markets are closed on Wednesday and Thursday for the holidays.
The city's benchmark index has fallen 7.3 percent over the past month, and there are few indications that the protests are likely to end any time soon.
Umbrella revolution:  Thousands of protesters shelter under umbrellas from heavy rain after a  thunderstorm passed over outside the Hong Kong Government Complex last night. Thousands of pro-democracy supporters continue to occupy the streets surrounding Hong Kong's Financial district.
Umbrella revolution: Thousands of protesters shelter under umbrellas from heavy rain after a thunderstorm passed over outside the Hong Kong Government Complex last night. Thousands of pro-democracy supporters continue to occupy the streets surrounding Hong Kong's Financial district.
Unsettled: Lightning cracks the sky as protesters take part in a rally on a street  outside of Hong Kong Government Complex last night
Unsettled: Lightning cracks the sky as protesters take part in a rally on a street outside of Hong Kong Government Complex last night
The light in the darkness: The crowd, mainly comprised of students, hold up their mobile phones after the heavy rain subsided yesterday evening
The light in the darkness: The crowd, mainly comprised of students, hold up their mobile phones after the heavy rain subsided yesterday evening
Shelter: A pair of women smile despite tensions and the heavy rain yesterday evening. Even larger crowds are expected to flood the streets today, China's National Day holiday. The government said it was cancelling a fireworks display to mark the day
Shelter: A pair of women smile despite tensions and the heavy rain yesterday evening. Even larger crowds are expected to flood the streets today, China's National Day holiday. The government said it was cancelling a fireworks display to mark the day
Looming: Last night's rainy protests came ahead of China's National Day, which doubles as the deadline protesters have given the government to respond to  demands
Looming: Last night's rainy protests came ahead of China's National Day, which doubles as the deadline protesters have given the government to respond to  demands
Soaked: A masked protestor braves the heavy rain to continue the occupation of the region's business district yesterday evening
Soaked: A masked protestor braves the heavy rain to continue the occupation of the region's business district yesterday evening

Mainland Chinese visiting Hong Kong had differing views on the demonstrations, being staged under the 'Occupy' banner.
'For the first time in my life I feel close to politics,' said a 29-year-old tourist from Beijing surnamed Yu. 'I believe something like this will happen in China one day.'
A woman surnamed Lin, from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, however said the protesters' demands for a democratic election were 'disrespectful to the mainland'.
'Even though the government has brought a lot of development to Hong Kong, they don't acknowledge this,' Lin said.
The outside world has looked on warily.
British finance chief George Osborne urged China to seek peace and said the former colony's prosperity depended on freedom. Washington urged Hong Kong authorities 'to exercise restraint and for protesters to express their views peacefully'.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will discuss the protests with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during talks in Washington on Wednesday, U.S. officials said.

MORE:

Pro-Democracy Protesters Occupy Hong Kong's Central District



A protester raises his umbrellas in front of tear gas which was fired by riot police to disperse protesters blocking the main street to the Central district outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong, on September 28, 2014. Hong Kong police used tear gas to disperse pro-democracy protests and baton-charged the crowd blocking a key road in the government district after Hong Kong and Chinese officials warned against illegal demonstrations. (Reuters/Tyrone Siu)


Protesters wave their mobile phones in the air in the streets outside the Hong Kong Government Complex on September 29, 2014 in Hong Kong. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images) #


Thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators gather outside Hong Kong's government headquarters on September 28, 2014, braced for another night of confrontations with authorities. (AP Photo/Apple Daily) #

Pro-democracy protesters flood the Central financial district in Hong Kong on September 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Wong Maye-E) #

Tens of thousands of protesters block traffic on the main road leading to Hong Kong's Central district on September 28, 2014. (Reuters/Bobby Yip) #

A police car is blocked by protesters after thousands of people block a main road to the central district in Hong Kong on September 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) #

Protestors and student demonstrators hold up their cellphones in a display of solidarity during a protest outside the headquarters of Legislative Council in Hong Kong on September 29, 2014. (Xaume Olleros/AFP/Getty Images) #

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