One man was shot in the chest by police in Hong Kong on Tuesday during widespread and violent protests that coincided with celebrations across China marking 70 years of the Communist state. The incident marked the first time live fire was used by Hong Kong police in their attempts to quell unrest, which is now in its fifth month.
Speaking at a celebration and military parade in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China remains committed to "the strategy of peaceful reunification" and to "one country, two systems," the governing framework established after the Hong Kong handover in 1997.
"No force can ever undermine China's status, or stop the Chinese people and nation from marching forward," Xi said at the National Day ceremony in Tiananmen Square, adding that China will "maintain lasting prosperity and stability" in Hong Kong.
<i>A portrait of President Xi Jinping during a parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the founding of Communist China in Beijing. Photo Credit: Mark Schiefelbein/AP/Shutterstock</i>
Unrest in Hong Kong first broke out in June in opposition to legislation that would have permitted extraditions to mainland China. Residents, moreover, largely took to the streets to voice their objection to China's growing influence over the city's government and Hong Kong at large, which has enjoyed relative autonomy as a special administrative region. The unrest significantly escalated in August after anti-government protesters occupied the city's international airport and held large-scale demonstrations throughout Hong Kong, which has long been a major financial hub for global banking and commerce.
The extradition bill was suspended — and later fully withdrawn — but dramatic protests continued with Hong Kongers calling for democratic voting rights and independent investigations into widespread reports of police abuse.
In Hong Kong on Tuesday, thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully through the city's major thoroughfares to air their grievances and mar National Day celebrations in mainland China. Several violent clashes, however, erupted between protestors and police, which resulted in the shooting of the young activist, who was 18-years-old.
"HK police is celebrating the [People's Republic of China] national day by shooting a young activist," Nathan Law, a leading activist, said on Twitter. "Big prize to communist party? Disgusting. Shame on the police."
Hong Kong police confirmed that the victim was taken to the hospital and, according to local media, remains in critical condition. Throughout the day Tuesday, police condemned "rioters" for starting fires, damaging property, and instigating violence. Authorities also urged all residents to stay indoors and find safe spaces.
Joshua Wong, one of the most prominent pro-democracy activists and politicians, said on Twitter that "on China's National Day ... HK fallen into a de facto police state" and that "paramilitary security forces completely took over this city."
<i>Police clash with anti-government protesters in central Hong Kong. Photo Credit: Vincent Yu/AP/Shutterstock</i>
The unrest in the streets of Hong Kong were in stark contrast to the military procession in Beijing. Xinhua, China's state-run news agency, reported that the parade consisted of 15,000 personnel, 580 pieces of armament, over 160 aircrafts, and new, advanced intercontinental nuclear missiles. Fireworks later lit up the sky as entertainers performed for thousands of festival goers.
"At this very moment, Chinese people of all ethnic groups and all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation at home and abroad take pride in and joyfully give our best wishes to our great motherland," Xi added in his remarks.
Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's embattled chief executive, was in Beijing to attend the National Day celebration.
By end of day Tuesday, over 180 people were arrested and 25 police officers were injured, the South China Morning Post reported citing police chief Stephen Lo. It has been “one of Hong Kong’s most violent and chaotic days," Lo said.
Vietnam's first global automaker is coming to the United States. VinFast unveiled the company's full EV lineup of five models at CES 2022. A reservation program for its first two electric vehicles, the VF 326 and the VF e35, officially opened on Wednesday, with the company set to announce the vehicle's retail prices in the U.S. and Vietnamese markets. VinFast is also one of the world's first automakers to apply blockchain technologies to the process of certifying reservations, payments, and eventually vehicle ownership. VinFast CEO Le Thi Thu Thuy joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
AT&T and Verizon have agreed to delay activating their 5G services for two weeks after Airlines for America, a lobbying group that represents American, Delta, and other airlines, filed a petition last week with the FCC to stop the deployment of 5G in the U.S. over concerns that the network can interfere with certain systems on airplanes. President Biden spoke out about it, saying it would avoid further delays and cancellations of flights. Light Reading 5G and Mobile Strategies Director Mike Dano joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
Nick Hotchkin, WW chief operating officer, joins Cheddar News to talk about the company's latest program innovation 'PersonalPoints.' Liv Bowser, founder of Liberate, talks to our Hena Doba about creating the first mental fitness studio. Meanwhile, students in Illinois will now receive 5 mental health days per year, State Senator Robert Martwick tell us more about the bill.
Americans looking to purchase at-home COVID-19 tests will now have to shell out a bit more money after an agreement expired between the White House and companies to sell the tests at cost. The price of Abbot's BinaxNow test kit from October to December was $14 apiece; on Tuesday, Walmart's website listed the test for $19.88, and Kroger listed the tests for $23.99. Carbon Health Regional Clinical Director Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell joined Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss the impact higher prices will have as the nation experiences another surge in cases.
Caroline Polisi, Criminal Defense Attorney & Lecturer in Law at Columbia Law School, breaks down the Holmes verdict and how this case impacts the reputation of female entrepreneurs.
As millions of kids go back to school, districts across the country are determined to keep class in person, despite a surge in COVID cases. In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams has vowed to keep the nation's largest school system open amid Omicron, citing the disastrous effect of remote learning on students. Oswald Feliz, NYC council member who sits on the health and education committee, joined Cheddar to discuss the city's plan to combat the recent surge and keep kids in school.
Schools across the country are determined to keep class in session, despite the rapidly-spreading Omicron variant. While many parents prefer in-person learning, they also worry whether the current public health guidelines will be enough to protect their kids. Erin Richards, national education reporter for USA Today, joined Cheddar to discuss how are schools are preparing for the surge to avoid another round of remote learning.
Joe Sanberg, Business leader, entrepreneur, and anti-poverty advocate, joins Cheddar News to discuss his push for an $18 minimum wage in California, and how employers are reacting to minimum wage hikes across the country.
