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Hong Kong Protesters in Standoff With Police Near Government HQ

About 200 pro-democracy protesters were in a tense standoff with police near Hong Kong's government headquarters late Tuesday.
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HONG KONG - About 200 pro-democracy protesters were in a standoff with police near Hong Kong's government headquarters late Tuesday as the ‘Umbrella Revolution’ stalemate continued. There were tense moments when demonstrators rushed past officers to take control of twin road tunnels, prompting loud cheers. Protesters regrouped around new barricades after the clashes, at about 10.45 p.m. local time (10.45 a.m. ET).

Much earlier Tuesday, police began to take down barriers using electric saws and bolt cutters. Officers will continue to take down barriers, spokesman Steve Hui said. It follows the government's abrupt cancellation of talks scheduled last Friday with the activists, who are demanding that China drops plans for a pro-Beijing committee to screen candidates in the territory's first direct elections, promised for 2017.

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- Ed Flanagan

The Associated Press contributed to this report.