Hong Kong’s identity is an example of what the field of ecology terms an ‘edge’ – a belt of life between two different ecological systems. Attempts by either side to assimilate the city – including the US’ push against Chinese influence – will destroy it.
The local government still behaves like it’s overseeing a colony but has less leverage with Beijing than leaders of mainland cities. Receiving no instructions from Beijing has also led to many mistakes and a confused response to the protests.
A large number of today’s Hongkongers fled from China during the Cultural Revolution, and protests reflect the trauma felt by them, and their descendants, at the lack of choice about their identity after 1997.