Expressions of ‘deep sorrow and regret’ are unlikely to be enough to save embattled Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam, write James Pomfret and Greg Torode.

Police in Hong Kong have defended their use of tear gas and other tactics to control protests that have paralysed the city’s financial district, appealing to the thousands gathered to demand more democracy to stop the unprecedented mass act of civil disobedience for the sake of safety and stability.

China says its economy is much bigger and less export-dependant than previously reported, issuing new data that analysts say may ease fears its roaring growth is unsustainable – and encourage even more foreign investment.

The Chinese government today promised things would get better after a month that saw more than 200 people die in workplace accidents.