Hong Kong airport cancels all flights as protests swell

Hong Kong’s airport cancelled all flights on Monday, with 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 Asian financial hub.

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 neighboring 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.

At the airport, thousands of activists have occupied the arrivals hall for days.

Wearing black, the mostly young protesters have chanted slogans “No rioters, only tyranny!” and “Liberate Hong Kong!” while politely approaching travelers with flyers describing their demands and explaining the unrest.

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