HONG KONG – An estimated 2,500 protesters staged a demonstration at the Hong Kong International Airport on Friday, trying to pressure the government to meet their demands. Passengers found their way blocked as they reached the arrival hall.
The Airport Authority said it has activated the emergency response center and deployed additional staff to handle the incident. It added that measures are in place at the terminal building to maintain smooth operation of the airport
In Beijing, responding to a question about the Civil Human Rights Front’s move of asking foreign consulates in Hong Kong to issue travel warnings for the city, Hua Chunying, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the move was an attempt to incite external forces to intervene in Hong Kong affairs and to put pressure on the SAR government and the central government.
Singapore has advised its nationals to stay away from the Hong Kong airport, and Britain also warned that the demonstration could affect journeys to and from the airport.
Large crowds of black-clad protesters rally at Hong Kong International Airport on July 26, 2019 to voice against the extradition bill. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said on Thursday that Hong Kong’s image as an international financial hub has been dented by the protests, sparking apprehension among foreign businesspeople and investors.
Chan urged the public to reject violence, pause and allow the city to move on, saying the government will strengthen communication with world communities to help them acquire a better understanding of the SAR.
The negative impacts of recent protests and violence on Hong Kong have emerged. The Standard Chartered Bank has downgraded the economic growth forecast for 2019 of Hong Kong from 2.2 percent to 1.4 percent.
According to the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, large-scale rallies and protests have dampened Hong Kong's retail performance, with most of the members of the association recording a double-digit fall in business in the first week of June and July.
Large crowds of black-clad protesters rally at Hong Kong International Airport on July 26, 2019 to voice against the extradition bill. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)
Large crowds of black-clad protesters rally at Hong Kong International Airport on July 26, 2019 to voice against the extradition bill. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)
Black-clad protesters against the extradition bill hand out leaflets to arrival passengers at Hong Kong International Airport on July 26, 2019. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)
Black-clad protesters against the extradition bill hand out leaflets to arrival passengers at Hong Kong International Airport on July 26, 2019. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)
Passengers at the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport on July 26, 2019 find their way blocked by black-clad protesters against the extradition bill. (PHOTO / CHINA DAILY)
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