Back in September, people of Hong Kong rose up in demonstrations calling for free and
fair elections coming 2017.
And it was just astounding to see tens of thousands of people, young and old alike,
taking to the streets under this banner for democracy.
And at times facing violent clashes from police.
And though the protests have come to an end after more than two months, it was said to
have posied a real threat to the leadership in Beijing - a sight not seen since the Tiananmen
Square protests in 1989.
So finally, let′s take a look this recap of the so-called "Umbrella Revolution."
On September 26th, hundreds of students poured out into the streets of Hong Kong demanding
free elections.
Britain handed Hong Kong back to China in 1997 in a political deal called "One Country,
Two Systems."
This would guarantee Hong Kong more freedom than is afforded on mainland China,... such
as being allowed to elect their own leader in 2017.
However, China backpedaled.
Beijing said, Hong Kong could hold the elections,... but only if the Chinese government first handpicked
all the candidates.
"The Hong Kong society, in general, they will adopt an approach of civil disobedience, resisting
the government until the government considers to restructure the constitutional reform in
the coming days."
Police used pepper spray and tear gas on unarmed protesters.
This is where the umbrellas came in, which demonstrators used to protect themselves,
thereby the name "Umbrella Revolution."
Maggie Ng lived in Hong Kong for more than 40 years and she says she hasn′t seen anything
like this before here in the city.
"This is the biggest protest I have ever seen in Hong Kong for decades because when we grew
up in the eighties we had nothing like this before.
Although it caused some traffic jams and blockage overall this protest was really peaceful."
The occupation of Hong Kong streets, however, came to an end after two-and-a-half months
of protests,... without the Chinese government acceding to any of the protesters′ demands.
It was the most serious challenge to the Chinese government since the 1989 pro-democracy protests
in Beijing.
And analysts say, it showed that those in Hong Kong′s post-colonial generation can
actively take part in the political process and are willing to raise their voices against
what they feel is unfair,... even if they know it′s going to be a long battle.
Lee Ji-yoon, Arirang News.
And that wraps up our look at the biggest international stories for now... well at least
for 2014.
Thank you again Paul for all your updates this past year.
Looking forward to many more for next year.
Yeah, Paul.
Thanks for rounding out
our top 10 issues of the year.
Hope you have a safe and Happy New Year.