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Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters demand Beijing grant free and open elections

Hong Kong demonstrators are angry and continue to demand free elections. New leader Xi Jinping believes in strong leadership and is determined to preserve China's political system. Protesters says it will take more than tear gas to back down. So will Beijing compromise or crack down?...
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The Current22:00Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters continue to demand Beijing have free and open elections - Sept 30, 2014
Hong Kong demonstrators are angry and continue to demand free elections. New leader Xi Jinping believes in strong leadership and is determined to preserve China's political system. Protesters says it will take more than tear gas to back down. So will Beijing compromise or crack down?

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High stakes for both sides in Hong Kong pro-democracy protests. (Philippe Lopez/AFP/Getty Images)

As a Hong Konger standing here in Wanchai , I ask all of you from around the world, please help us. All of you are born in democracy states. You have free elections, but we don't! Please help us.Protester

• 5 things to know about the 'umbrella revolution' -- CBC News


A city as vibrant as Hong Kong is tough to slow down, but tens of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators are doing their best to paralyze the downtown, defying police orders to disperse. The demonstrations may be the biggest challenge to Beijing since it crushed the Tiananmen Square protests a quarter of a century ago.

Occupy Central is an effort to bring the city's financial hub to a standstill after Beijing announced that only its approved candidates can run in Hong's Kong's elections in 2017.

Demonstrators wield umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas and promise not to leave until Hong Kong's current leader steps down and Beijing reconsiders it elections demands.

All this is happening as China prepares to commemorate its National Day, marking 65 years since Mao Zedong and the Communist Party founded the People's Republic of China.


  • Kong Tsun-Gan has been a part in the pro-democracy protests for weeks as a volunteer with the Occupy Central Movement.


  • Emily Lau is a long-time member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and the Chair of the Hong Kong Democratic Party.


  • Charles Burton has some thoughts on how officials in Beijing might be viewing the protests, Charles Burton specializes in Chinese politics at Brock University. He also runs a consulting practice for Government agencies and businesses operating in China.


This segment was produced by The Current's Idella Sturino and Gord Westmacott.


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