Also at Christmas, clashes retook place between police and demonstrators in Hong Kong. Hong Kong government leader Carrie Lam said the festivities have been “ruined” by anti-government protests.
Police used pepper spray and tear gas when activists held small flash mobiles in shopping malls and elsewhere in the city.
In Mong Kok, for example, a neighbourhood where there have been frequent riots in recent months, the police fired tear gas numerous times to disperse the crowd.
Wednesday’s disturbances were less intense than those on Christmas Eve when activists for more democracy and riot police fought for hours in a large shopping area.
Hong Kong has been the scene of fierce protests for seven months, often leading to riots. Many residents take to the streets to protest against China’s increasing influence in the city-state.