and profanities at their largely young opponents -- highlighting the ideological fissures running through the finance hub as it experiences its worst political unrest in a generation. Hong Kong saw two record-breaking rallies earlier this month by anti-government protesters opposed to a now-postponed plan to approve extradition to mainland China. On 12 June police used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear largely young anti-extradition protesters from around parliament. The extradition protests were the latest manifestation of growing fears, especially among young Hong Kongers, that China is trampling on the city's unique freedoms and culture -- aided by the pro-Beijing government. Organisers of the pro-police rally told local media some 165,000 people attended while police gave a lower figure of 53,000 at its peak.

Source: The Nation Bangkok June 30, 2019 12:11 UTC