fredag 30. august 2019

To Beijing, the Hong Kong protest unrest is now a threat on a national level

Hong Kong’s protests and unrest have now lasted for nearly three months. What started out as marches against the extradition bill – which the government subsequently abandoned – has turned into a show of wider discontent.

There have been many peaceful assemblies. But some incidents have been violent, leading to injuries, and some have involved vandalism of public buildings. Several actions have seriously disrupted transport and other facilities – even closing the airport.Protest themes have broadened. Some are aimed at the police. Others reflect broader anti-government feeling arising from the handling of the extradition bill and other policy failings over many years. Many participants support the “five big demands”, including a call for political change – which are far too complex for a quick response.