China gives Hong Kong leader 'unwavering support'

This weekend the relative calm in Hong Kong was broken by clashes between black-clad pro-democracy protesters and police in some of the city's shopping malls

China's premier told beleaguered Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Monday that she had Beijing's "unwavering support" after a huge rally earlier this month and her government's thrashing at recent local elections.

The city has been upended by six months of massive pro-democracy protests that have seen violent battles between police and hardcore demonstrators, as well as regular transport disruption.