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Hong Kong Protests Could Expand

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Protesters sing songs and wave their cell phones in the air  outside the Hong Kong Government Complex on September 30, 2014. Thousands of pro democracy supporters continue to occupy the streets surrounding Hong Kong's Financial district despite authorities demanding they withdraw. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Protesters sing songs and wave their cell phones in the air outside the Hong Kong Government Complex on September 30, 2014. Thousands of pro democracy supporters continue to occupy the streets surrounding Hong Kong's Financial district despite authorities demanding they withdraw. (Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

As pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong enter a fifth day, the leader of the territory says China will not back down from its decision to limit voting reforms.

Leung Chun-ying, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong who was appointed by the government in Beijing, said authorities on mainland China would not reverse their decision requiring a pro-Beijing panel to screen candidates in Hong Kong's first direct election, which is scheduled for 2017.

Occupy Central, the group leading the protests, said in a tweet that the movement had set a Wednesday deadline for authorities to meet their demands for free elections and Leung's resignation.

Protesters say if their demands aren't met they could expand their protests to include labor strikes or occupation of government buildings.

Here & Now's Robin Young speaks with Joanna Chiu, Hong Kong correspondent for Deutsche Presse-Agentur, about the movement and protesters' demands.

  • The Associated Press contributed reporting

Guest

  • Joanna Chiu, Hong Kong correspondent for Deutsche Presse-Agentur. She tweets @joannachiu.

This segment aired on September 30, 2014.

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