The violence was the worst Hong Kong has witnessed since protesters clashed with police during the 2014 'Umbrella Protests' which demanded greater political autonomy from mainland China. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, Hong Kong's top political official, swiftly denounced the violent attacks on police officers and journalists and vowed to prosecute instigators.
Local outbreaks of violent protesting will have little impact on tourism or international business in the short term.
Public anger will prompt the chief executive's administration to distance itself from mainland Chinese authorities.
China will support some measures that lessen Hong Kong anger over the impact of Chinese tourism, such as further curbs on visitor numbers.
Pro-localisation forces will seek greater representation in the Legislative Council elections slated for September 2016.
