I came across a blog comment in which someone proposed that the use of the old Hong Kong flag at protests is deliberately being presented by Beijing as proof of a HK independence movement, which gives Beijing an excuse to have HK push through Article 23 legislation. After reading this article, that theory doesn't seem so far-fetched any more.
If Hong Kong passes this law, it will be the official end of democracy. What's left of it after 1997 will finally be destroyed. Hong Kong's affairs are being interfered [with only] by China. Quit destroying Hong Kong!
Looks like Beijing is quite concerned about the people getting a little too "uppity" and is warning us that a more hardline stance against Hong Kong will be taken if dissent does not stop. It will of course backfire, but what can tyrants see but only rule with an iron fist?
Women-only carriages only treat the symptom, not the cause. If it was racist abuse that people were suffering on trains would there be a call for carriages divided by race to provide protection for the victims? I wouldn't have thought so; it's more likely that efforts would be made to tackle the problem head on and eliminate it. That's what needs to be done here in my opinion.