Unrest Abroad: We Check In On Hong Kong and Iran

HONG KONG, CHINA - DECEMBER1: Pro-democracy protesters climb over a highway dividers fleeing from police arrests during a mass rally on December 1, 2019 in Hong Kong, China. Anti-government protests in Hong Kong stretched into its sixth month after scoring a major victory in the District Council elections as pro-democracy demonstrators continue their demands for an independent inquiry into police brutality, the retraction of the word "riot" to describe the rallies, and genuine universal suffrage. (Photo by Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images)

China reacted furiously Thursday to President Donald Trump’s signing two bills aimed at supporting human rights in Hong Kong, summoning the U.S. ambassador to protest and warning the move would undermine cooperation with Washington.

China reacted furiously Thursday to President Donald Trump’s signing two bills aimed at supporting human rights in Hong Kong, summoning the U.S. ambassador to protest and warning the move would undermine cooperation with Washington.

Thousands of pro-democracy activists crowded a public square in downtown Hong Kong on Thursday night for a “Thanksgiving Day” rally to thank the United States for passing the laws and vowed to “march on” in their fight.

Meanwhile, last week in Iran, protesters angry over spikes in government-set gasoline prices attacked hundreds of banks, police outposts and gas stations in the demonstrations. Tehran’s supreme leader alleged without evidence that a “conspiracy” involving the U.S. caused the unrest. The crackdown has been brutal, with security forces reportedly opening fire on protesters. At least 180 people have been killed.

We check in on the latest from Hong Kong and Iran.

With files from the Associated Press.

Guests:

Vivian Salama, White House reporter for the Wall Street Journal; she tweets

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Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times reporter covering Iran; she tweets

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