Hong Kong protests: Fifteen people were hospitalized

Thousands of people are demonstrating in Hong Kong in defiance of a protest ban for the 70th anniversary of Communist rule in China, Report informs citing RIA Novosti.

Fifteen people were hospitalized during the clashes, as tear gas was fired and petrol bombs were thrown.

Police have also fired live rounds, and there are unconfirmed reports that one protester was shot in the chest.

Nearly four months of protests in Hong Kong have challenged Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of national unity.

Earlier, the Chinese flag was raised at a special ceremony in the territory.

Security was tight and the 12,000 invited guests watched the event on a live video feed from inside a conference center.