Sydney, Taiwan rallies: global protests kicked off for Hong Kong

In yet another planned anti-totalitarianism demonstrations in global level, thousands rallied in Sydney and Taipei to support Hong Kong democracy protesters on September 29. Australians, dressed in all-black took to the streets chanting "Add oil", a protest slogan denoting encouragement. There were others whose signs read "Save Hong Kong" and "Stop tyranny", while others carried yellow umbrellas or handed out paper cranes in major cities across the country. Taiwan, joined in on the protest on their part reportedly, with some two thousand people, many dressed in black, gathering despite torrential downpours outside the Parliament building in the city capital. Notably, this was the largest protest that the nation has organised, in support for Hong Kong so far this summer. Global media reports reveal similar rallies are going to be held in more than 40 cities worldwide as part of a global day of action in support of Hong Kong.
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Protests in Hong Kong and Taipei

Protesters in Sydney spoke to Australian media about their demonstration and added that they had become very desperate and wanted the authorities to respect their basic human rights. They said they wanted to show their support from Australia irrespective of the physical distance as they were moved by the scenes in Hongkong. Referring to the legal code in China that underpins the financial hub's semi-autonomous status, they said that they should just follow the basic law and its not about the independence solely. There were protesters who also showed their support to Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam and opined Hong Kong should set up an independent committee to investigate allegations of police brutality. At the same time, a Chinese protester added that they were against the violence that the people in Hong Kong have to undergo. Similarly, another protester in Taipei was quoted saying that they stood on Sunday to protect the rights of a democratic and independent Taiwan and are also standing behind Hong Kong.

Read: Hong Kong Police Say Student Arrests At Protests Increase

China's one-nation policy

Since the end of a civil war in 1949, Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation. Yet China still wants the island to be part of its territory and has vowed to seize it. After President Tsai Ing-wen's 2016 election, Beijing stepped up its campaign to diplomatically isolate Taiwan. This happened because she hails from a party that refuses to recognize the idea that the island is part of China. The politician is seeking re-election in January. China is further pressurizing Taiwan's allies to break their ties with the country and join China. Recently Solomon islands changed allegiance from Taiwan to China. Reportedly, last Saturday's rally in Taipei was largely peaceful except for the incident when Hong Kong pop star Denise Ho, a staunch democracy advocate, had red paint thrown at her by an unidentified assailant as she spoke to local media. 
Read: Hong Kong Leader Carrie Lam's Town Hall Fails To Persuade Protesters

Read: Chinese Official Says Hong Kong Can Handle Its Protests