HONG KONG: Hundreds of riot police in Hong Kong have taken up posts in and around its financial district ahead of a debate at the Legislative Council over a bill, which would criminalize disrespect of China’s national anthem.

In Hong Kong, demonstrations have returned to the streets after Beijing proposed national security laws last week amid fears that the laws would curb the freedoms in the global financial center.

Protesters have used bins and debris to block roads.

The proposed national security laws had triggered street unrest in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators that even paralyzed parts of the city last year.

(With inputs from Agencies)