Protesters should be allowed space, but they must act within the law

Protesters have turned Hong Kong's busiest streets to gridlock. Their weekend clashes with police have led to foreign travel alerts, a stock market stumble and expressions of concern by the business and financial sectors. With the National Day holiday tomorrow traditionally a time of anti-establishment demonstrations, there are concerns that the momentum will be raised to fever pitch and worse. Too much is at stake for our city's reputation and future to allow matters to spin uncontrollably out of hand; all involved have a responsibility to rethink their positions.

Nothing is to be gained by apportioning blame. The protesters have legitimate grounds for being unhappy and the government has an obligation to keep Hong Kong running smoothly. Riot police were following orders when they took on thousands of demonstrators outside the government's headquarters in Admiralty; it was the first time citizens had been tear-gassed since the return to Chinese sovereignty. The response caused not dispersal but anger, larger numbers and a spreading of the discontent to Central, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok. Those tactics have thankfully been modified.

But taking riot police from the front lines, cancelling the October 1 fireworks display and giving demonstrators control of vital roads does not resolve differences. Not permitting protests is a factor behind the escalation; that space has to be allowed in coming days, although conditions have to be firmly set that they be conducted peacefully and within the law. Organisers have to make that clear and take charge - challenging given the fragmented and leaderless nature of the movement.

Not since a taxi drivers' strike in 1983 has Hong Kong faced such chaos. But circumstances are markedly different, peaceful sit-ins and spirited chanting replacing the violence and looting of that turbulent time. Aspirations are high, though, with calls for full democracy, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's resignation and the reversal of the National People's Congress Standing Committee's decision on the 2017 election. Reality has to be faced: Beijing is not going to change its mind.

Images of the worst moments of the protests have circulated worldwide, giving an impression that our city is on the verge of anarchy. This could not be further from the truth; the demonstrators, police and authorities all have the good of Hong Kong at heart. Discontent can be voiced, but within our well-established boundaries. With reflection by all involved, a better course can be charted for the future.