Hong Kong leader says protests are challenging China's sovereignty

Hong Kong's embattled leader Carrie Lam said on Monday recent protests disrupting the former British colony are pushing the city to the verge of an "extremely dangerous situation" and posing a challenge to China's sovereignty.

Lam spoke as large parts of Hong Kong were hit by a city-wide strike, with extensive traffic and rail disruptions, that came after yet another weekend of violent protests.

The Chinese-controlled city, an Asian financial hub, has been rocked by months of protests that began against a proposed bill to allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China and have developed into calls for greater democracy.