China’s Xi talks tough on Hong Kong as thousands protest for democracy

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sworn in Hong Kong’s new leader with a stark warning that Beijing won’t tolerate any challenge to its authority in the divided city as it marked the 20th anniversary of its return from Britain to China.

Police blocked roads, preventing pro-democracy protesters from getting to the harbour-front venue close to where the last colonial governor, Chris Patten, tearfully handed back Hong Kong to China in the pouring rain in 1997.

“Any attempt to endanger China’s sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government … or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line and is absolutely impermissible,” Xi said…

Source: China’s Xi talks tough on Hong Kong as thousands protest for democracy | SBS News