Chinese forces gathering at Hong Kong border, White House officials monitoring escalation

The White House is monitoring a gathering of Chinese forces at the border with Hong Kong. Photo / Getty

The White House is monitoring the sudden "congregation" of Chinese forces at the border with Hong Kong, according to reports, following another night of unrest and clashes between protesters and police.

A senior US official who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity said a number of units had gathered, but it's unclear if they are security police or part of China's military, news.com.au reports.

It comes as Beijing accused the United States of inciting the increasingly unruly protests in Hong Kong, which began two months ago over a proposed extradition bill that could see citizens sent to the mainland.

Since then, demonstrations have evolved into a statement against Beijing's influence in the operation of the relatively autonomous region.

Bloomberg cites the White House official as saying the US is watching China's mainland border manoeuvres. Reports of the gathering of forces has sparked panic among Hong Kong locals on social media.

Hong Kong update:
- Chinese forces massing on border
- ICAC is investigating police over triad attack in Yuen Long, SCMP says
- Triads launched fireworks at protesters in Tin Shui Wai, injuring 10
- Police assault journalists in Kwai Chung
- 40 protesters charged with rioting
1/

— Matthew Brooker (@mbrookerhk) July 30, 2019

Well this is concerning. A White House official briefed reporters yesterday and said US are monitoring a buildup of either troops or armed police on China’s border with Hong Kong https://t.co/I92FyMp3HM

— Jerome Taylor (@JeromeTaylor) July 31, 2019

Riot police armed with shotguns were photographed patrolling transit stations, with claims on social media that some pointed their weapons at unarmed demonstrators.

Hong Kong Journalists' Association also said police attacked journalists who were covering the protests, with a photographer hit in the head by a riot control officer's shield.

Just before 3am local time, several fireworks were set off, injuring six people — five of whom were taken to hospital for treatment.

Last night's unannounced protest follows demonstrations on Sunday that saw police deploy tear gas and scuffle with people who assembled in the streets.

"Hong Kong police know the law and break the law," protesters chanted as they made their way through the streets.

The extradition bill that sparked the start of protests in June has been suspended, but opponents are now demanding it be scrapped entirely.

Protesters stand off with the police in Hong Kong, continuing weekly rallies on the streets against a controversial extradition bill. Photo / Getty

This morning, supporters gathered outside a court in Hong Kong where more than 40 protesters are due to appear today.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has urged China to "do the right thing" by Hong Kong.

"With respect to Hong Kong, this is the people of Hong Kong asking their government to listen to them," Mr Pompeo told reporters. "So it's always appropriate for every government to listen to their people."

“The White House is monitoring a buildup of chinese forces on Hong Kong’s border, a senior administration official said.” Here we go..the moment the pla army marches from Shenzhen, it’s over. china’s army is going to invade HK. It’s inevitable. #hk #china

— 🇺🇸Kyle Bass🇺🇸 (@Jkylebass) July 30, 2019

China hit back immediately, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying blaming America for the protests.

"It's clear that Mr Pompeo has put himself in the wrong position and still regards himself as the head of the CIA," Ms Hua said.

"He might think that violent activities in Hong Kong are reasonable because after all, this is the creation of the US."

The US, China and Hong Kong have not officially commented on the claims of Chinese forces at the border.