Chinese forces gathering at Hong Kong border, White House officials monitoring escalation

The White House is monitoring the sudden gathering of Chinese forces at the border with Hong Kong, in a worrying sign of escalation.

The White House is monitoring the sudden “congregation” of Chinese forces at the border with Hong Kong, according to reports, 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 had gathered, but it’s unclear if they are security police or part of China’s military, Bloomberg reports.

It comes as Beijing accused the United States of inciting the increasingly unruly protests in Hong Kong, which began two months ago over a proposed extradition bill 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.

Bloomberg cites the White House official as saying the US is watching China’s mainland border manoeuvres. Reports of the gathering of forces has sparked panic among Hong Kong locals on social media.

Protesters stand off with the police in Hong Kong, continuing weekly rallies on the streets against a controversial extradition bill. Picture: Getty Images

A riot police officer armed with a shotgun during protests in Hong Kong overnight. Picture: Getty Images

Overnight, protesters in Hong Kong clashed with police once more, with several hundred people taking to the streets.

The latest unrest was sparked by media reports that 44 people who had been arrested on Sunday would face a range of serious charges.

Hong Kong update:
- Chinese forces massing on border
- ICAC is investigating police over triad attack in Yuen Long, SCMP says
- Triads launched fireworks at protesters in Tin Shui Wai, injuring 10
- Police assault journalists in Kwai Chung
- 40 protesters charged with rioting
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— Matthew Brooker (@mbrookerhk) July 30, 2019

Well this is concerning. A White House official briefed reporters yesterday and said US are monitoring a buildup of either troops or armed police on China’s border with Hong Kong https://t.co/I92FyMp3HM

— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) July 31, 2019

Riot police armed with shotguns were photographed patrolling transit stations, with claims on social media that some pointed their weapons at unarmed demonstrators.

The White House is monitoring gathering Chinese forces at the 'border' of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Journalists’ Association also said police attacked journalists who were covering the protests, with a photographer hit in the head by a riot control officer’s shield.

Just before 3am local time, several fireworks were set off, injuring six people — five of whom were taken to hospital for treatment.

RELATED: Police and Hong Kong protesters in violent clash on eighth weekend of marches

Police use pepper spray during clashes with protesters who had gathered outside Kwai Chung police station. Picture: AFP

Analysts say the Hong Kong protests are likely to be causing great concern in Beijing. Picture: Getty Images

Last night’s unannounced protest follows demonstrations on Sunday that saw police deploy tear gas and scuffle with people who assembled in the streets.

“Hong Kong police know the law and break the law,” protesters chanted as they made their way through the streets.

The extradition bill that sparked the start of protests in June has been suspended, but opponents are now demanding it be scrapped entirely.

This morning, supporters gathered outside a court in Hong Kong where more than 40 protesters are due to appear today.

Outside Eastern Magistrates Court in Sai Wan Ho, protesters awaiting the 44 people inside facing a judge over rioting charge...in T8 typhoon conditions pic.twitter.com/jY2tZAElUv

— Danny Lee (@JournoDannyAero) July 31, 2019

Growing ranks of Hong Kong’s typically conservative and publicity-shy bureaucrats have begun an unprecedented online dissent campaign against the city’s pro-Beijing leaders.

Multiple open letters have been signed by hundreds of anonymous civil servants in the past week condemning the administration of city leader Carrie Lam and the police.

A group of civil servants have also announced plans to hold a rally on Friday night — something unheard of from a demographic that usually eschews politics.

The letters — accompanied by photos of civil servant identity cards with personal details obscured — bemoan Lam’s lack of leadership and refusal to compromise as her administration grapples with huge protests rocking the international finance hub.

“The White House is monitoring a buildup of chinese forces on Hong Kong’s border, a senior administration official said.” Here we go..the moment the pla army marches from Shenzhen, it’s over. china’s army is going to invade HK. It’s inevitable. #hk #china

— Kyle Bass (@Jkylebass) July 30, 2019

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged China to “do the right thing” by Hong Kong.

“With respect to Hong Kong, this is the people of Hong Kong asking their government to listen to them,” Mr Pompeo told reporters. “So it’s always appropriate for every government to listen to their people.”

Unrest in Hong Kong shows no signs of easing. Picture: Getty Images

China hit back immediately, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying blaming America for the protests.

“It’s clear that Mr Pompeo has put himself in the wrong position and still regards himself as the head of the CIA,” Ms Hua said.

“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.

- with AFP