Hong Kong police fire tear gas, water cannons at protesters, days before China's 70th anniversary celebrations

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Hong Kong (CNN) - Hong Kong police fired blue dye from a water cannon and tear gas rounds while protesters threw petrol bombs and bricks at clashes before the celebrations to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

Although the authorities refused to approve this Sunday's march, thousands of protesters marched in the busy commercial district of Hong Kong. It was the seventeenth consecutive weekend of riots in an ongoing protest movement that has seen large-scale peaceful marches and violent clashes with the police.

Hong Kong police fired a blue water cannon at protesters gathered in front of central government offices after participating in an unauthorized march through Hong Kong on September 29.

The violence occurred two days before October 1, when the People's Republic of China will turn 70.

Although Sunday's march attracted thousands of peaceful protesters of all ages, it took an aggressive turn. Police and protesters clashed on Sunday afternoon, with protesters throwing bricks and gasoline bombs and setting the street on fire.

A protester in favor of democracy throws a tear gas bomb at the police amid clashes on Sunday.

Police fired tear gas and pepper gas at the protesters. He also used a water cannon equipped with blue dye, intended to stain protesters to facilitate their subsequent identification, to clean people in the area around the Legislative Complex, an area that has often been a target during ongoing demonstrations.

• Why are there protests in Hong Kong?

This Saturday, protesters gathered to commemorate five years since the start of the Umbrella Movement in favor of democracy that detained parts of the city for 79 days.

But Saturday's protests also ended in aggression, with protesters throwing bricks and gasoline bombs at government buildings, and police using water cannons against activists.

A pro-democratic protester burns a banner during a march in Hong Kong.

National Day of China

While Hong Kong protesters continue to protest, mainland China prepares to celebrate its National Day.

• Is it safe to visit Hong Kong while the city is being shaken by mass protests?

On Tuesday, President Xi Jinping will oversee a special National Day military parade in Beijing, which will feature some 15,000 troops, more than 160 aircraft and 580 pieces of weapons and equipment. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam will head to Beijing on Monday to participate in the event.

Thousands of people make an unauthorized march through the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday.

Back in Hong Kong, protesters are already preparing for more demonstrations that coincide with National Day. The Hong Kong authorities will be pressured to ensure that city riots do not overshadow Beijing celebrations.

In addition to the anti-government riots in Hong Kong, Xi also faces other challenges, including the current trade war between the United States and China.

Hong Kong