Hong Kong protests: Chinese security trial giant 'electric' fork devices
Chinese armed forces are currently practicing with giant ‘electric’ fork devices that could potentially be used on Hong Kong protesters.
Members of China’s paramilitary People’s Armed Police were seen using the terrifying eight-foot U-shaped poles during a training drill at Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre, which is located across from Hong Kong.
They also marched and rehearsed crowd-control tactics, in what some have interpreted as a threat against pro-democracy protesters.
The demonstrations have been marked by increasing violence and shut down a Hong Kong airport earlier this week.
Amnesty International previously discouraged the use of the electric devices and warned they could cause burns, puncture wounds and welts.
It is believed the devices the Chinese forces were training with are electrified but this has not yet been verified.
Amnesty International said: 'A wide range of direct contact electric shock weapons including electric shock stun guns, stun batons and stun shields have been developed, traded and employed by police and security forces throughout the world.
'The use of such weapons results in intense, both localised and general pain but not incapacitation of the subject.'
The images of the training drills released by Chinese state media could raise tensions, with more protests involving up to a million people expected this weekend.
Beijing has already said it can react in ten minutes to any disorder and currently has soldiers and tanks close to the border.
Hong Kong’s government has refused to talk with demonstrators who have protested since early June to demand expanded political rights and the scrapping of legislation that could have seen criminal suspects sent to China.
Hong Kong police officers said on Thursday they were not aware of plans for Chinese forces to join efforts to quell the demonstrations.
The United States has warned China against involving its military and said it would potentially hit the country's economy hard because Hong Kong is so important.