Punches have been thrown at the University of Queensland as students clashed over their views on China and pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

Key points: Pro-democracy students have been confronted with pro-Chinese students at the University of Queensland

Pro-democracy students have been confronted with pro-Chinese students at the University of Queensland The clashes did turn violent but police made no arrests

The clashes did turn violent but police made no arrests Student Union president Georgia Milroy described the scenes as "frightening"

The ABC understands pro-China activists gate-crashed a protest by fellow Chinese students showing solidarity for persecuted minorities in their homeland.

Hundreds of students gathered in the university's Great Court to express their views.

Pro-China students clashed with the other group as they played nationalistic songs and chanted "China is great".

Videos posted on social media show shouting and abuse that turned to violence at one point as anger rose.

The four-hour standoff ended when police convinced both groups to go home.

No arrests have been made.

But for some time, pro-China activists continued to stand their ground in the court even as others left the area.

Student Union president Georgia Milroy said the angry scenes were quite frightening.

Pro-Chinese students stand their ground at UQ after a clash with Hong Kong supporters. ( ABC News: Lexy Hamilton-Smith )

"I think there were a lot of impassioned students feeling very strongly on both sides … to be honest at times it was quite scary," she said.

"There was some violence that did occur.

"It became borderline nationalist with the playing of the national anthem and I think that's when things started to become very inflamed.

"I think it is something that we've never really seen before at UQ, this degree of nationalism, and I think there was a bit of concern from the Chinese students and why they were allowed.

"I think we're in some unprecedented times, to be honest."

In a statement, UQ said it expected staff and students to "express their views in a lawful and respectful manner, and in accordance with the policies and values of the university".

"Earlier today, in response to safety concerns resulting from a student-initiated protest on campus, the University requested police support," the UQ statement said.

"On the advice of police, protestors were requested to move on. The safety of all students is paramount to the university."

Hong Kong protesters injured

The Brisbane student protest comes after weeks of protests in Hong Kong, which began as opposition to a Chinese extradition bill and broadened into concerns about the future of Hong Kong's democratic freedoms.

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong were attacked by armed groups on the weekend, prompting some to criticise the police for failing to protect them.

Hong Kong police said they have arrested several men, some with links to triad gangs.