Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has apologized for the extradition bill that set off massive protests, but said she would not resign.

She only backed down after millions turned out to protest what they believed to be an attempt by China to further erode its independence. As a British colony, Hong Kong had political, religious and economic freedom and it grew to one of the major financial powerhouses in the world. When the UK turned Hong Kong over to China in 1997, those freedoms were supposed to be protected, but residents see the extradition law as one in a series of attempts to take them away.

"The extradition law really is a threat to the legal and judicial independence of Hong Kong from mainland China," says CBN News Asia Correspondent Lucille Talusan. "And this goes against the agreement made during the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to mainland China."

The last British governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, said the West needs to stand up to Chinese attempts to demolish what he called the "firewall" between "the rule of law in Hong Kong and what passes for law" in mainland China.

"We should make it clear that this is not a policy or a succession of policies which we are prepared to stand by and ignore," Patten said.

Some have characterized the conflict between China and Hong Kong as a conflict between communism and Christianity, and an unofficial anthem of the protests was "Sing hallelujah to the Lord."

A key protest leader who is a Christian, Joshua Wong, says China's extradition plan has blown up in its face, reigniting the protest movement against dictatorial rule from China.

"Beijing and Carrie Lam transformed a whole generation of youngsters from normal citizen to dissidents. That's the price that Beijing must pay," Wong said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Hong Kong will be on the agenda when President Donald Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in 10 days.

Optimists will see in this protest victory the hope that Hong Kong residents can stand up to China. But pessimists have long predicted that democracy in Hong Kong would eventually die after the 1997 handover to China—it's only a matter of time. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Hundreds Accept Jesus Christ in Poland at Franklin Graham Rally

Grammy-Winning Christian Artist Mandisa Has Died: Report

How You Can Send Letters of Encouragement to Jailed Pro-Life Heroes

'Americans Cannot Allow the Biden Administration to Sign Away Their Birthright': Congressmen Warn of WHO Pandemic Agreement

Illegal Immigrants Being Moved into Soldiers' Home Where Veterans Must Pay to Stay

House Democrats Vow to Codify 'Rights' to Trans Surgeries, Hormones, Puberty Blockers

18-Year-Old Female Trans Student Charged for Planning Two Maryland School Shootings, Manifesto Said She Wanted to Be 'Famous'

Israel Strikes Deep Inside Iran, Nuclear Facilities NOT Hit

An Important Message from Japan to the world about the WHO, Japan and the Next So-called 'Vaccine'

Rand Paul: Brave Marine Revealed that 15 US Agencies Knew COVID-19 Was Created in Lab in 2018; But They Kept It Secret from American Public (VIDEO)

Confirmed: Researchers Reveal COVID mRNA Vaccines Contain Component that Suppresses Immune Response and Stimulates Cancer Growth

Farmers, Truckers Warn California Emissions Mandates Will Cause 'Catastrophic' Supply Chain Crisis

Fed Court Overturns State Law Protecting Women's Sports from 'Transgender' Athletes

Furry Infestation: Middle School Students Walk Out in Protest after School Leaders Allow 'Furries' to Terrorize Them (VIDEO)

Biden's Education Secretary Vows to Shut Down the Largest Christian University in the US

US to Back Rafah Op in Exchange for Israel Dropping Major Iran Strike; Report

Schumer Succeeds in Killing Off Mayorkas Impeachment Trial before It Can Even Begin

California Town Tears Down Beloved Hillside Cross

Danielle Smith Again Defends Alberta's Coming Ban on Transgender Mutilation of Children

Detransitioners: We Were Pushed to Transition as Teens, Now We're 'Vindicated' By Study Showing Kids Grow Out of It