Activist leaders are threatening to storm government buildings unless the city′s embattled

leader steps down by the end of Thursday. With more, we turn to Paul Yi at the News

Center. Paul, the clock is ticking down and it appears

that the Hong Kong authorities are not budging. That′s right. Chief Executive CY Leung has

until the stroke pf midnight to answer the ultimatum... with thousands of demonstrators

surrounding his offices as of this morning. China is closely monitoring the situation…

and has been very firm in its stance... despite increasing scrutiny from Western powers.

Our Kim Min-ji has this report. Pro-democracy protesters have warned of further

action,... if Hong Kong′s chief executive does not step down by Thursday evening.

Security was heightened around C.Y Leung′s office,... as massive crowds rallied outside.

Protesters say they will occupy government buildings if their demands aren′t met.

They also want universal suffrage in Hong Kong′s 2017 elections and for Beijing to

abandon its plan to vet candidates for the post of chief executive.

"I don′t know how long, but I think that every Hong Konger will spend all their efforts

to achieve what they want and voice ourselves until the government takes action and responds

to our needs." U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, at a joint

press conference with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Washington,.... called on Hong

Kong authorities to exercise restraint in the face of the protests.

Wang was curt in his response.

"The Chinese government has very firmly and clearly stated its position. Hong Kong affairs

are China′s internal affairs. All countries should respect China′s sovereignty."

Wang added that "illegal acts" that violate public order would not be tolerated in any

society. If protesters follow through on their pledge

to storm government buildings,... there are mounting fears of violent clashes.

China′s official state newspaper, the People′s Daily supported Leung and praised his performance

while accusing the protests of driving Hong Kong into "chaos."

The daily earlier warned of "unimaginable consequences" should the protests persist.

Kim Min-ji, Arirang News. Meanwhile, thousands of people around the

world are showing their support for the pro-democracy movement many of them in New York City.

Supporters gathered Wednesday, under the lights of Times Square to rally in solidarity with

those in Hong Kong. New York has been one of the several dozen

cities across the globe to host such demonstrations... including Paris, Melbourne... and Macau.