Chinese government researcher warns of 'radicalised' Hongkongers in wake of Occupy
A researcher for the central government has described as 'worrying' the radicalisation in the thinking behind Hong Kong's social movements in the wake of the 79-day Occupy Central protest.
A researcher for the central government has described as "worrying" the radicalisation in the thinking behind Hong Kong's social movements in the wake of the 79-day Occupy Central protest.
In an article published in the latest edition of the , run by the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Bai Xiaoyu also warned about the growing risk of spontaneous protests spinning out of control in Hong Kong.
These two developments, together with a "politicised" trend among youth bodies, are the three issues that "warrant concern in the post-Occupy era", according to Bai, an assistant researcher at the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.
The quarterly journal was published on January 25, amid a hot debate about independence and self-determination for Hong Kong.
Referring to the debate, Bai wrote that "an obvious sign of change in the culture of Hong Kong's social movement is that there are more and more … violent movements, but what's more worrying is that the movement's leading thoughts or ideologies are also showing the trend of radicalisation", as activists advocated civil disobedience and independence.
Citing the "shopping tour" demonstrations in December as an example, Bai said social movements were increasingly originating in civic society, rather than coming from political groups, resulting in greater risks that "spontaneous movements" could go out of control.
After the Occupy sites were cleared in December, groups of protesters continued to press their democracy message under the guise of shopping, by walking slowly to disrupt commercial areas.
"As many youth bodies prepare to make a difference by standing for elections … Hong Kong's political landscape will be changed," Bai wrote.
Bai concluded that while the Hong Kong government "should be praised" for its handling of Occupy, "there are various questions to be reflected on … such as how to provide a better environment for young people's growth, so as to eliminate … their discontent."
Chinese University political scientist Ivan Choy Chi-keung, who wrote several articles analysing the legacy of the Occupy Central movement, agreed that attention should be paid to the three issues that Bai identified.
But Choy said the trend of "post-materialism" should also be considered in analysing young people's way of thinking.
"While improving social [mobility is important] … our young people are becoming more and more concerned about [political] concepts and values, and we should pay attention to that."
