Hong Kong is in the sixth month of anti-government protests that began in early June over a proposed extradition law. These protests have grown to include demands for greater democracy and the addressing other grievances. While the extradition bill has been withdrawn, protesters are now demanding the resignation of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory's leader, Chief Executive Carrie Lam.

The last 72 hours has seen a dramatic escalation in the violence of protests in Hong Kong. At least 60 people have been injured. On Monday, an unarmed protester was shot by police. In a separate incident, a man was doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire during an argument about the demonstrations. The victims in both of these incidents are critical condition.

Tear gas, sponge grenades and rubber bullets have been fired on school campuses for first time as student protesters battle police at Chinese University, Polytechnic University and University of Hong Kong. Student protesters are hurling bricks and petrol bombs. 10 universities have suspended Tuesday classes.

The United States is watching the situation in Hong Kong with grave concern. ‎We condemn violence on all sides, extend our sympathies to victims of violence regardless of their political inclinations, and call for all parties— police and protesters— to exercise restraint.‎ We repeat President Trump’s call for a humane resolution to the protests.

The increased polarization within Hong Kong society underscores the need for a broad-based and sincere dialogue between the government, protesters, and citizenry writ large. The United States urges the Hong Kong government to build on its dialogue with the Hong Kong public and begin efforts to address the underlying concerns driving the protests. We also urge the protesters to respond to efforts at dialogue.

The United States believes that Hong Kong’s autonomy, its adherence to the rule of law, and its commitment to protecting civil liberties are key to preserving its special status under U.S. law, as well as to the success of “One Country, Two Systems” and Hong Kong’s future stability and prosperity. We urge Beijing to honor the commitments it made in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, including commitments that Hong Kong will “enjoy a high degree of autonomy” and that the people of Hong Kong will enjoy human rights the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly— core values that we share with Hong Kong.

Location:

• Hong Kong
• Kowloon
• New Territories
• Hong Kong International Airport
• Hong Kong Transit Systems
• Hong Kong Shopping Malls
• Hong Kong Higher Education Facilities
• Central
• Admiralty
• Wan Chai
• Causeway Bay
• Sai Wan Ho
• Tsim Sha Tsui
• Jordan
• Yau Ma Tei
• Mong Kok
• Tuen Mun
• Kwun Tong
• Tsuen Wan
• Sha Tin
• Tai Po
• Tseung Kwan O
• Tung Chung
• Kowloon Tong

Event:

On Monday, November 11, media report continuing calls by protesters for city-wide strikes and traffic disruptions. Road blocks are possible throughout Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Demonstrations have disrupted multiple train and bus lines, with some services suspended.

On Tuesday, November 12 at 4:30 pm, media report a “human chain” rally for high school students in Kowloon Tong. On Tuesday, November 12 at 8:00 p.m., media report a “Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s Birthday Flash Mob” rally at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin. On Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m., media report a “Support to Firefighters and Ambulancemen” rally at Edinburgh Place in Central. On Thursday, November 14 at 8:00 p.m., media report a “Victory to Hong Kong” rally at Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay.

This list is not necessarily exhaustive; protests at other times and locations may also occur. Any protests that take place without a permit are considered illegal.

Protests are likely to disrupt transportation across Hong Kong. MTR stations can be closed and other transportation options can be cancelled on short notice. Over the past several weeks, some MTR stations have been closed for extended periods of time and the MTR network has closed earlier than usual.

Since June 2019, large scale and smaller political demonstrations have taken place in various areas of Hong Kong, including MTR stations, shopping malls, and at Hong Kong International airport. While many demonstrations have been peaceful, some have resulted in violent confrontations between protesters and police – or between protesters and people for oppose the demonstrations – leading to serious injuries. Police have used a variety of crowd control measures, including the deployment of tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons. On October 4, the government invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to ban face masks at public gatherings.

The protests and confrontations have spilled over into neighborhoods other than those where the police have permitted marches or rallies. These demonstrations, which can take place with little or no notice, are likely to continue.

Actions to Take:

• Monitor local media, local transportations sites and apps like MTR Mobile or CitybusNWFB, and the Hong Kong International Airport website for updates.
  
  
• Avoid the areas of the demonstrations.
  
  
• Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
  
  
• Be aware of your surroundings.
  
  
• Keep a low profile.