We continue our coverage on the growing protests in Hong Kong.
Activist leaders are threatening to storm government buildings unless the city′s embattled
leader steps down by the end of Thursday.
With more, we turn to Paul Yi at the News Center.
Paul, the clock is ticking down and it appears that the Hong Kong authorities are not budging.
That′s right.
Chief Executive CY Leung has until the stroke pf midnight to answer the ultimatum...
with thousands of demonstrators surrounding his offices as of this morning.
China is closely monitoring the situation… and has been very firm in its stance... despite
increasing scrutiny from Western powers.
Our Kim Min-ji has this report.
Pro-democracy protesters have warned of further action,... if Hong Kong′s chief executive
does not step down by Thursday evening.
Security was heightened around C.Y Leung′s office,... as massive crowds rallied outside.
Protesters say they will occupy government buildings if their demands aren′t met.
They also want universal suffrage in Hong Kong′s 2017 elections and for Beijing to
abandon its plan to vet candidates for the post of chief executive.
"I don′t know how long, but I think that every Hong Konger will spend all their efforts
to achieve what they want and voice ourselves until the government takes action and responds
to our needs."
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, at a joint press conference with his Chinese counterpart
Wang Yi in Washington,.... called on Hong Kong authorities to exercise restraint in
the face of the protests.
Wang was curt in his response.
"The Chinese government has very firmly and clearly stated its position.
Hong Kong affairs are China′s internal affairs.
All countries should respect China′s sovereignty."
Wang added that "illegal acts" that violate public order would not be tolerated in any
society.
If protesters follow through on their pledge to storm government buildings,... there are
mounting fears of violent clashes.
China′s official state newspaper, the People′s Daily supported Leung and praised his performance
while accusing the protests of driving Hong Kong into "chaos."
The daily earlier warned of "unimaginable consequences" should the protests persist.
Kim Min-ji, Arirang News.
Meanwhile, thousands of people around the world are showing their support for the pro-democracy
movement many of them in New York City.
Supporters gathered Wednesday, under the lights of Times Square to rally in solidarity with
those in Hong Kong.
New York has been one of the several dozen cities across the globe to host such demonstrations...
including Paris, Melbourne... and Macau.