Second balloon over Latin America is ours - China Hong Kong: Largest national security trial begins

calling it an “unacceptable violation” of its sovereignty. A planned trip by Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China was cancelled as a result of the row.

China has lodged a formal complaint with the US embassy in Beijing over the incident.

government.

The accused had a “massive and well-organised scheme” to gain a legislative majority and cripple the government by blocking the passage of laws, with the ultimate aim of overthrowing the Beijing-appointed chief executive.

The group, which has been charged with conspiracy to commit subversion, has maintained they were merely practising normal opposition politics.

Supporters are surrounded by police outside the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts building during a hearing for the 47 prodemocracy activists on trial.

Dubbed “The 47” by local media, those connected to the case include: BBC