Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters demanded that the city's embattled leader meet a deadline to resign on Thursday, as China warned the United States against meddling in its "internal affairs".
Demonstrators, who have shut down central areas of the southern Chinese city for four days, have given chief executive Leung Chun-ying until midnight to step down, or face escalated action.
In Washington, Beijing warned the United States to back off, in its strongest riposte yet to worldwide supporters of the suffrage movement sweeping the southern Chinese city.
"Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs," Foreign Minister Wang Yi told US Secretary of State John Kerry at a press conference.
"All countries should respect China's sovereignty and this is a basic principle of governing international relations," Wang said sternly.
He added that Beijing would not tolerate "illegal acts that violate public order".
Kerry replied urging Hong Kong authorities to "exercise restraint and respect the protesters' right to express their views peacefully."
Four days of peaceful demonstrations have seen tens of thousands of people take over usually traffic-heavy streets in Hong Kong as they demand Beijing grant free elections in the semi-autonomous city.
The demonstrators consider Leung a Beijing stooge and protest leaders want Thursday's ultimatum to be met.
"We will consider having different operating actions in future days, including occupying other places like important government offices," said Agnes Chow of student movement Scholarism.
Protester Thomas Choi told AFP: "We want to talk to him face to face."
'We need to escalate'
Students have been at the forefront of the demonstrations but others have expanded their ranks since riot police tear-gassed protesters on Sunday night, in chaotic scenes that triggered an outpouring of support.
With Wednesday and Thursday both public holidays in Hong Kong, many workers have been free to swell the masses in the streets.
Vast crowds poured in for a fourth sweltering night Wednesday.
"We need to escalate the movement," said 23-year-old student Jason Chan. "If we don't take things to the next level, this movement is pointless."
But others were reluctant to take any action that could prompt further clashes with the police.
"I think we should keep this a peaceful revolution," said costume designer Janice Pang.
"Hong Kong people may not support us if we do something more extreme."
The protesters are furious at the central government's refusal to allow free elections for the city's next leader in 2017, insisting that only two or three candidates vetted by a pro-Beijing committee will be permitted to stand.
They call this "fake democracy" and as well as demanding Leung step down, they also want Beijing to reverse its decision.
In a movement being dubbed the "umbrella revolution" -- a nod to the umbrellas they have used to protect themselves against tear gas, the sun and torrential downpours alike -- the protesters have brought key parts of the city to a standstill, heavily disrupting the transport network and shutting down businesses.
Worldwide support grows
China's call came as support for the protesters has been growing worldwide, with thousands rallying Wednesday to back the protests.
About 4,000 people turned out in Taipei while in London 2,000 people gathered outside the Chinese embassy.
Crowds in Hong Kong cheered late Wednesday as messages of support from around the world were projected onto the main government building -- including from sympathisers in mainland China.
Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, told BBC radio the entire situation had been "very, very badly mishandled", calling on authorities to enter into consultation with demonstrators.
"I think we've got to see dialogue replacing tear gas and pepper spray," he said, adding that China was reneging on its promises to allow the city to manage its own affairs.
The protests pose a huge political challenge for Beijing at a time when the Communist Party is cracking down hard on dissent on the mainland.
Authorities have scrubbed mentions of the protests from Chinese social media, while rights groups say more than a dozen activists have been detained and as many as 60 others questioned for expressing support for the Hong Kong crowds.
In a sign of Beijing's growing unease, a local tourism leader said Chinese travel agents were reporting that group visits to the city had been suspended.
October 1-7 is known as "Golden Week" in mainland China, a key shopping holiday that sees many travel to Hong Kong.
AFP
Thu Oct 02 2014
Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong's Chief Executive, speaks during a news conference at the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong, China, 01 September 2014. - EPA/JEROME FAVRE
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.