Hong Kong should keep the practice of electing its leader, even if it is by a small committee, in view of its inherited mix of Western political values and Chinese cultural norms. But a leader’s performance is not contingent on how he or she is selected.

Beijing must know that Hong Kong desperately needs transparent and competent governance if it is to avoid more violence on the streets. The Hong Kong government must put residents first, especially with regard to livelihood issues.

Ocean Park could be Hong Kong’s next cultural heart, with rent-free spaces for struggling artists and revamped theatres for major concerts. Its open spaces and gorgeous views could host fine dining and boutiques as well eco-tourism and extreme sports.

The political establishment, from pro-government parties to businesses, should embrace same-sex marriage as it is in their political and economic self-interest. As societies grow more tolerant on LGBT issues, Hong Kong cannot afford to appear out of touch.

US hostility is dashing the hopes of many ordinary Chinese seeking a more liberal life, even as jingoistic pressure grows on them to not be seen as Chinese traitors and sell-outs

As both ends of the political spectrum wage an ideological war, centrists must articulate a cogent, progressive and reformist vision to fix the long-standing governance problems, and stand up for the city’s values.

The events in the US highlight the terrible consequences of insufficient checks and balances on police power. Using brute force only sows greater discontent, radicalisation and long-term instability. Addressing the causes of violence is harder but more effective.

A lack of nuance in critiquing China’s response is neither accurate nor helpful, and any serious discussion can only proceed by acknowledging Beijing’s successes as well as failures. As Europe and the US struggle with the pandemic, useful lessons may be lost.

The Covid-19 outbreak has become an excuse for some to justify their prejudice. They cherry-pick Chinese eating habits and conduct to bolster a sense of cultural superiority, and sneer at Asian public health practices while demonising an entire people in the guise of protecting public health.

Some empathy and understanding in these extraordinary times will go a long way, especially in governing, to forestall panic and help everyone pull through.

Hong Kong’s overstretched public health system is being put to the test by a growing number of people showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. More resources, creative ideas and a willingness to respect differences are needed to overcome this mental health crisis.

Both the protesters, who target Hong Kong’s prosperity, and the government, which is playing a waiting game, should realise their strategies hit the most vulnerable the hardest.

That Beijing was stunned by pro-government parties’ landslide defeat suggests a lack of transparent communication. It would benefit both sides if direct channels were established between Hongkongers and mainland officials.

Hong Kong can make the case that democratisation will produce leaders who are better able to manage Hong Kong and improve the city’s ability to serve China’s interests as an economic superpower.

Indiscriminate violence, whether deployed by protesters or pro-government thugs, destroys Hong Kong’s reputation for pluralism. If both sides turn a blind eye to violence perpetrated by affiliates, hopes for democracy will recede further.

There is no single grievance and no magic bullet. The government should stop inferring and start listening to the plurality of young people’s views, give them a greater voice in policymaking and commit to genuine political reform.

Protesters feel that if they stop or restrict themselves to non-violent methods the government will concede nothing. Both sides need to de-escalate, but the responsibility falls on the government to take the initiative.

While protesters must stop their inflammatory rhetoric, the police must revisit its protocol for handling mass protests, reflect on its belligerence towards protesters and use the opportunity to increase transparency.

Whatever you think of their actions, a good number of young Hongkongers feel their options have been exhausted. t’s time for political moderates who have Beijing’s ear to step up and broker dialogue between the administration and protesters.

If the government could internalise dissenting opinions and concerns, Carrie Lam would find her future years as Hong Kong’s chief executive a far smoother ride

Ruling is a giant step forward for LGBT activism, but it is by no means adequate as an answer to calls for progress and equality

Taiwan showed that the government can take an active role in shaping consensus, that legislators can speak up for their LGBT constituents and that there is nothing anti-Asian about diversity.

Embracing either Hong Kong localism or Chinese nationalism is not the way forward for a city that has long benefited from its unique mix of East and West. Hongkongers must move away from both extremes.

It’s in the interests of both the pan-democrats and the pro-Beijing crowd to work together on issues of importance to Hongkongers, from housing to education and equality.

The Lantau Tomorrow Vision will take too long to implement for a city where thousands sleep in substandard subdivided accommodation

The law and employment contracts that supposedly protect foreign women who come seeking domestic work only go so far, as shown by the recent sacking of a cancer-stricken helper. Hongkongers should demand decent treatment for these invaluable workers.

Empirically Hong Kong’s migrant workers contribute more than they take away, and morally they are deserving of the same treatment as those raised here.

We must start taking the problems of our racism towards foreign or minority students seriously, writes Brian YS Wong.

Symbolic acts of militarism help release the pressure of more destructive domestic nationalism, hold the US at bay and add credibility to overtures to Taiwan.

While contesting elections is a valuable experience for young people, they could also consider other forms of public service, such as taking part in government schemes or joining non-profit organisations.