Foreigners

Amazing Images From Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution

Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protesters take to the streets, with firm grips on their rights and their umbrellas. 

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators have gathered in Hong Kong’s Central financial district to protest Beijing’s broken promise. When Britain returned control of the city to the People’s Republic on July 1, 1997, the mainland government had pledged to abide by a system of “one country, two systems” that would guarantee many of the special rights that Hong Kong had enjoyed under British rule. Part of that pledge included the right to choose its own democratically elected leadership by 2017.

Yet Beijing’s Chinese Communist Party appears to be reneging on that deal. In August, the CCP issued a white paper announcing that candidates for Hong Kong’s 2017 chief executive election would have to be approved by Beijing, giving mainland authorities the ability to weed out the candidates it doesn’t like. As peaceful protesters took to the streets over the weekend, the Beijing-backed Hong Kong government has responded with pepper spray and tear gas. The demonstrators raised umbrellas—to shield themselves from the chemicals. If Beijing doesn’t tread carefully, the “umbrella revolution” may only grow stronger.

Hong Kong: September 29, 2014
Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up their mobile phones during a protest near the Hong Kong government headquarters on Sept. 29, 2014.

Photo by Dale de la Rey/AFP/Getty Images

Hong Kong: September 26, 2014
Secondary school students take part in the protests outside of the Hong Kong government complex on Sept. 26, 2014.

Photo by Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images

School lesson at rally, Hong Kong
Students take notes during a lesson conducted by their teacher during a rally outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on Sept. 26, 2014.

Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Hong Kong: September 22, 2014
Students attend a rally at Chinese University on Sept. 22, 2014, in Hong Kong.

Photo by Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images

Hong Kong: September 26, 2014
Students hold cards that read “Open the gate” outside the Hong Kong government complex on Sept. 26, 2014.

Photo by Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images

Hong Kong: September 29, 2014
A protester raises his arms as police officers try to disperse the crowd near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on Sept. 29, 2014.

Photo by Carlos Barria/Reuters

Hong Kong: September 29, 2014
Policemen rest following pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong on Sept. 29, 2014.

Photo by Xaume Olleros/AFP/Getty Images

Hong Kong: September 29, 2014
A protester lies on the asphalt blocking the main street to the financial Central district on Sept. 29, 2014.

Photo by Carlos Barria/Reuters

Hong Kong: September 28, 2014
A couple sits down on a barricade during a demonstration outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong on Sept. 28, 2014.

Photo by Xaume Olleros/AFP/Getty Images

Hong Kong: September 28, 2014
Riot police use pepper spray during clash with protesters on Sept. 28, 2014.

Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Hong Kong: September 28, 2014
Unfurled umbrellas have become a symbol of the protest. Demonstrators have used them to shield against pepper spray and tear gas. Local media has dubbed the movement the “Umbrella Revolution.” 

Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Hong Kong: September 28, 2014
Police fire tear gas at pro-democracy demonstrators near the Hong Kong government headquarters on Sept. 28, 2014.

Photo by Aaron Tam/AFP/Getty Images

Hong Kong: September 27, 2014
An injured protester is tended to after clashing with riot police on Sept. 27, 2014.

Photo by Lam Yik Fei/Getty Images

Hong Kong: September 28, 2014
A man takes a picture with his mobile phone of a protest on Nathan Road, a major route through the heart of the Kowloon district of Hong Kong. 

Photo by Alex Ogle/AFP/Getty Images

Hong Kong: September 29, 2014
A businessman stands in front of a barricade set up by protesters at the main street of the financial Central district on Sept. 29, 2014.

Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters