Let′s shift our attention now to the global headlines we′re following this hour.
We′ll connect to our Eunice Kim, standing for us at the NewsCenter for us.
Eunice...
The mass demonstrations in Hong Kong continue, and with today marking China′s National
Day,... we are expecting these protests to get even larger as the day progresses?
That′s right, Jinjoo.
Protest leaders are hoping for record crowds to come out... as the city is also set to
celebrate the 65th anniversary of the founding of Communist China.
Kim Min-ji has the details.
Pro-democracy demonstrations are expected to swell in number on Wednesday,... with the
start of the National Day, which marks the founding of communist China in 1949.
Tens of thousands of people braved heavy rain and thunder overnight,... to continue what
has been dubbed the "Umbrella Revolution" an act of civil disobedience that authorities
have called "illegal."
Hong Kong′s chief executive also rejected calls by student leaders to address the crowd,...
which he said must be immediately dismantled.
"The central government won′t be swayed by illegal activities.
This illegal protest will not force the central government to go back on its decision on August
31st."
Protesters are demanding two things.
They want Leung to step down as chief executive,... and they want universal suffrage in Hong Kong′s
2017 elections,... with Beijing abandoning plans to vet candidates for the post of chief
executive.
If their demands aren′t met,... they are considering expanding their occupation of
government facilities, buildings and public roads.
"What I really feel is, I think that Hong Kong people are so angry and so frustrated.
Because I can say Hong Kong people are quite indifferent to politics.
But why they come out to occupy the main road here?
Simply because the Hong Kong government never hears us, never listens to us.
That′s why we come out."
Some have voiced concerns that the protests could become a second Tiananmen Square.
"Beijing has a final say in everything in Hong Kong and Beijing has a record of crackdown
on peaceful demonstrations with violence, not only happened in Beijing, but also happening
in Tibet, Xinjiang and other places of China, so given China′s record, we have no trust
at all.
And I think the worst thing that could happen is a second Tiananmen massacre."
The large-scale demonstrations began over the weekend,... and the crowds are now expected
to swarm the central districts of the financial hub,... near where National Day celebrations
are scheduled to take place.
Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.