Briefs | Japan ‘deeply concerned’ about ongoing unrest

Japan’s top diplomat has told his Chinese counterpart that Japan is “deeply concerned” about the continuing protests in Hong Kong. Foreign Minister Taro Kono said Tuesday that he told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Japan hopes the situation will calm down soon and be resolved peacefully through dialogue. The two met in Beijing  ahead of a three-way meeting with the South Korean foreign minister (more on p13). Kono said he also told Wang that it is important that Hong Kong stay free and open and continue its prosperity under the “one country, two systems” framework.

Protesters mark brutal mob attack with sit-in

Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters have held a sit-in at a suburban train station to mark a month since a violent attack there by masked assailants on supporters of the anti-government movement. The protesters, many wearing black, flooded into Yuen Long station last night to commemorate the July 21 rampage by a group of men suspected of organized crime links. They also wanted to draw attention to what they say is the lack of progress by police in investigating the attack, which left both protesters and passers-by injured. The protesters observed a moment of silence, then covered their right eyes, a reference to a woman who reportedly suffered a severe eye injury from a police projectile.

Citizens rally for detained UK consulate worker

Hong Kong protesters rallied for the release of a U.K. consulate worker whose family said was detained during a recent visit to mainland China, as near-daily demonstrations continue in the financial hub (more on p12). The “Save Simon Cheng” event was held last night at the U.K. Consulate General in central Hong Kong. Cheng, 28, was revealed to be missing Tuesday after failing to return from an Aug. 8 meeting in the border city of Shenzhen and hasn’t contacted his family since. Hong Kong police said a day earlier only that a missing person investigation was underway and that they were in close touch with Chinese authorities.