In Hong Kong, tens of thousands of pro-democracy activists and those dissatisfied with Beijing’s rule took to the streets on July 1 to voice their opposition.
The protesters, estimated by organizers to number around 50,000, called for an “end to one-party rule and against the fall of Hong Kong.” The anti-Beijing sentiment of the rally is considered to be the strongest in recent years—a stark contrast to the celebratory tone of Hong Kong officials who convened to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.