HK airport cancels flights amid protest
Beijing warns signs of 'terrorism' emerging
HONG KONG The airport in Hong Kong cancelled all flights yesterday, with the authorities blaming demonstrators for the disruption of one of the world's busiest terminals, a dramatic escalation of anti-government protests that have roiled the city.
At the same time, a Chinese official in Beijing warned signs of "terrorism" were emerging. China's People's Armed Police also assembled in the neighbouring city of Shenzhen for exercises, the state-backed Global Times newspaper said.
Both moves lift the stakes sharply after a weekend of skirmishes between police and activists, in which both sides appeared to boost their resolve with new tactics.
Some of the 5,000 activists occupying the airport's arrivals hall for a fourth day went to the departure area and caused disruptions, Hong Kong police told a news conference, but declined to say if they would move to clear the demonstrators.
Wearing black, the protesters have chanted slogans "No rioters, only tyranny!" and "Liberate Hong Kong!" while politely approaching travellers with flyers describing their demands and explaining the unrest.
"Airport operations at Hong Kong International Airport have been seriously disrupted ... all flights have been cancelled," the city's airport authority said in a statement. "All passengers are advised to leave the terminal buildings as soon as possible."
Roads to the airport were congested and carparks were full, the authority said.
CRITICAL POINT
Yesterday's cancellation came as China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs office said the city had reached a critical juncture and after police had made a show of demonstrating a powerful water cannon.
The protests began in opposition to a Bill allowing extradition to the mainland but have widened to highlight other grievances, drawing broad support.
Over the weekend, as demonstrators threw up barricades across the city, police shot volleys of tear gas into crowded underground train stations for the first time and fired bean-bag rounds at close range.
Scores of protesters were arrested, sometimes after being beaten with batons and bloodied by police. The police have arrested more than 600 people since the unrest began more than two months ago.
Tear gas was fired at the black-shirted crowds in districts on Hong Kong island, Kowloon and the New Territories, with one young female medic hospitalised after being shot in the right eye, triggering a protest by medical workers.
"Hong Kong's protesters have been frequently using extremely dangerous tools to attack the police in recent days, constituting serious crimes with sprouts of terrorism emerging," said Hong Kong and Macau Affairs office spokesman Yang Guang.
"Hong Kong has come to a critical juncture. All those who care about Hong Kong's future, must firmly come out and say no to all violent behaviour, say no to all violent people."
Flights from Singapore to Hong Kong were cancelled yesterday.
Media reports said at least 130 flights departing from Hong Kong were affected.
"Singapore residents have been advised to return home or not to leave for the airport given the current situation. Those who had checked in have been allowed to collect their baggage," said Mr Ivan Tan, a spokesman for the Changi Airport Group.
"Non-residents have been advised to check with their airline regarding options available to them which may include alternate flights to their final destination for those who were going to transit in Hong Kong," the spokesman added. - REUTERS, THE STRAITS TIMES
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