Hong Kong protesters target mainland Chinese, malls

Bloomberg

Protesters in Hong Kong continued to target shopping malls in the city, harassing mainland Chinese and clashing with police, who used pepper spray on demonstrators.
At least 14 people were detained at a mall in the Sheung Shui district near the Chinese border, government-backed broadcaster RTHK reported. The anti-government protesters singled out mainland Chinese shoppers, who locals blame for shortages after buying up goods to resell in China, driving up prices.
Prior to Saturday’s detentions, police had arrested 336 people over the Christmas holiday when protesters primarily targeted retailers, the Associated Press reported.
The demonstrations at shopping malls are the prelude to a major rally planned on January 1. It’s being organized by the Civil Human Rights Front, which has helmed some of the biggest peaceful protests since the demonstrations against China’s tightening grip over Hong Kong began in June.
The protests were initially ignited by a proposed extradition law that would have allowed fugitives to be sent to China to stand trial. Though the bill was withdrawn, protests have persisted, with demands broadening to include more democracy and direct elections of the city’s leader.
The tumult over the holiday adds to what’s been an abysmal six-month period for Hong Kong’s retailers. Not only has the unrest dissuaded many of the city’s residents from visiting stores, it’s also sapped the flow of tourists, especially those from mainland China. Hong Kong, once a mecca for shoppers, posted a record 24% plunge in retail sales in October, and the city is now mired in its first recession in a decade.
“Many members of the public and tourists coming to Hong Kong were naturally disappointed that their Christmas Eve celebrations have been ruined by a group of reckless and selfish rioters,” Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said in a statement on Thursday. “Such illegal acts have not only dampened the festive mood but also adversely affected local businesses.”

Tourists to Hong Kong Fell 53%
Hong Kong saw a 53% drop in inbound visitors during the Christmas period from December 21 to December 26, the Sing Tao Daily reported, as months of protests in city deterred tourists.
The number of mainland Chinese tour groups visiting the city declined by almost 90%, the paper said, citing Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong Chairman Jason Wong. About 620,000 people visited Hong Kong during the period, according to the report which used data from the Immigration Department.
Police fired tear gas to disperse protesters inside a mall in Kowloon Bay on Christmas Day. The shopping centers were also the scenes for some clashes on Christmas Eve, which left about two dozen people injured.