Why are there protests in Hong Kong?
- Published
Protests have been going on in Hong Kong for more than two months.
Read our guide to what's happening in the south-east Asian city.
Ayshah explains what has been going on (Dec 2014)
The history of Hong Kong and China
Hong Kong is a region in south-east Asia, smaller than the area of Greater London. It has a population of roughly seven million people.
It was run by Britain up until 1997, when it was handed over to China.
But a special agreement with China means that Hong Kong still has a number of freedoms, such as its own courts.
Current Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung
How did the protests start?
The protests are over the upcoming election of Hong Kong's next leader, or chief executive, which will happen in 2017.
China has promised that everyone in Hong Kong will be allowed to vote for the new leader - something that hasn't happened before.
But, in August 2014, China said it would have the final say on who the candidates would be.
BBC reporter Juliana Loo is in Hong Kong
This sparked mass protests at the end of September, with tens of thousands of people crowding the streets.
After more than a week, things started to quieten down, although hundreds of protesters stayed put in camp sites.
The umbrella - originally used to protect against the sun - has become the symbol of the Hong Kong protests
Violence flared up again on 1 December when police clashed with protesters who tried to surround government offices.
What do the protesters want?
One of the main protest leaders is 18-year-old student Joshua Wong
The protesters want Hong Kong's people to get a full say on the next leader without any interference from China.
They're worried that China's leaders will stop candidates who don't agree with them.
Talks between the protest leaders and Hong Kong's government haven't worked things out.
BBC's Babita Sharma spoke to some of the young protestors
Does everyone in Hong Kong agree?
Not everyone in Hong Kong agrees with the protesters.
Some people think the protests are damaging to Hong Kong and its relationship with China.
Business leaders are also worried that demonstrations will hurt shops and other businesses there.
Others, including Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung, argue that getting to vote for a new leader is already a big step forward for Hong Kong.
- Published1 December 2014
