US eyes on China military build-up

THE White House is monitoring the sudden “congregation” of Chinese forces at the border with Hong Kong following another night of unrest and clashes between protesters and police.

A senior US official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity, said a number of units were gathering last night but it remained unclear if they were security police or part of China’s military.

It comes as Beijing has accused the US of inciting the increasingly unruly protests in Hong Kong, which began two months ago over a proposed extradition law that could see citizens sent to the mainland.

Since then, demonstrations have evolved into a statement against Beijing’s influence in the operation of the relatively autonomous region.

It comes as protesters clashed with police on Tuesday night after reports that some of their detained colleagues would face the serious charge of rioting.

Several hundred protesters mobilised in the streets outside a police station after 44 people were arrested on riot charges stemming from a demonstration on Sunday night.

Protesters broke fences, damaged street signs and attacked police officers (pictured) with bricks.

A total of 49 people – 32 men and 17 women between the ages of 16 and 41 – were arrested at the scene.

Hong Kong police said it “will not rule out the possibility of further arrests”.

Video livestreamed by Hong Kong media showed protesters chanting slogans and throwing eggs at the Kwai Chung police station.

Police used pepper spray to try to disperse them.

Fireworks were set off during the melee, injuring six men near another police station.

The violence comes amid a war of words between China and America, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo saying: “This is the people of Hong Kong asking their Government to listen to them.”

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “It’s clear that Mr Pompeo has put himself in the wrong position and still regards himself as the head of the CIA.

“He might think that violent activities in Hong Kong are reasonable because, after all, this is the creation of the US.”

The US, China and Hong Kong have not officially commented on the claims of Chinese forces at the border.