U.S. steps up warning on Hong Kong

Travelers advised to avoid demonstrations

HONG KONG — The U.S. government on Thursday stepped up its warnings to travelers to Hong Kong because of increasing violence surrounding pro-democracy protests in the Chinese city.

The State Department’s Level 2 travel advisory issued Thursday urges “increased caution in Hong Kong due to civil unrest” and tells travelers to avoid demonstrations and to “exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.”

The protests were sparked two months ago by proposed extradition legislation that could have seen suspects sent to mainland China. They have since morphed into calls for broader democratic reforms in the former British colony, along with the resignation of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and investigations into alleged police abuse of force.

Australia, Ireland, Britain and Japan have also issued travel advisories to their citizens.

Hong Kong police say 589 people have been arrested in the protests since June 9, ranging in age from 13 to 76. They face charges including rioting, which allows for prison terms of up to 10 years. Police have fired tear gas, rubber bullets and other projectiles at protesters, with demonstrators responding with metal sticks, bricks, gasoline bombs and carts full of burning debris.

The central government in Beijing so far has not visibly intervened in the situation, though in editorials and public remarks it has condemned demonstrators and protest organizers as criminals, clowns and “violent radicals” and alleged that they have been inflamed by politicians from the U.S., Taiwan and elsewhere.

Pro-democracy protesters said Thursday they plan to hold a demonstration at Hong Kong’s international airport over the weekend, along with marches elsewhere in the territory.

Also Thursday, the Chinese foreign ministry’s office in Hong Kong issued a formal protest over a reported meeting between U.S. consular officials in the city and opposition figures, including prominent activist Joshua Wong.

The statement demanded the U.S. explain the purpose of the meeting and “immediately cease interfering in Hong Kong affairs.”

Kin Cheung The Associated Press Protesters focus laser pointers on a newspaper as they try to burn it at a rally Wednesday in Hong Kong. The rally was held to demonstrate against the arrests of people caught possessing laser pointers, which police have classified as weapons.