HONG KONG

China had already denied requests for two US Navy ships to dock in Hong Kong in August

They also ushered in a rare period of calm following weeks of spiralling unrest, with no clashes or tear gas battles between protesters and police for more than a week.

The stunning result was a humiliating rebuke to Beijing and dashed any lingering hopes of Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam.

The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment that have been used by security forces.

The siege at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is the most intense and prolonged stand-off of the crisis.

This could further cause unrest in Hong Kong after months of violent protests over concerns that Beijing is chipping away at the autonomy of the financial hub.

There are growing concerns that Beijing could intervene directly to end the spiralling unrest.

It was the most physical confrontation involving a member of Lam's cabinet since the protests, erupted in the international finance hub.

Alibaba will offer 500 million shares at a maximum of HK$188 apiece, the company said.

Key arterial roads were clogged by brick and bamboo barricades, a major cross-harbour tunnel was closed while metro stations and bus services were shut down.

Masked protesters blocked roads, threw objects onto train tracks and held up subway trains, sparking clashes with riot police.

The shooting, which was broadcast live on Facebook, is the latest escalation in more than five months of pro-democracy protests.

Protesters responded to Chow's death with calls for Friday night vigils across the city as well as further rallies over the weekend.

Hardcore demonstrators smashed the windows of the official Xinhua news agency's regional bureau on Saturday.

Blizzard posted an announcement on the "World of Warcraft" Facebook page to confirm the postponement of the game's 15th anniversary celebration.

Stock markets elsewhere were mixed, while the pound rose following a topsy-turvy session on shifting Brexit sentiment.

The ongoing boycott against Blizzard Entertainment's services and games are already affecting the company's stocks.

In the wake of Blizzard's suspension of Blitzchung, casters and gamers are withdrawing their support for the game studio.

The company is promising a more open approach regarding political statements made by content creators and players.

Hong Kong Police arrested two teens for protesting and pepper-sprayed a 73-year-old "Protect the Children" group member.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club cancelled their weekly horse race due to safety concerns caused by the continued political unrest.