Letters | Beijing won’t deploy the PLA in Hong Kong but may use the city’s police force instead

National flags at half-mast flown in Beijing and other cities in China to play tribute to the late Chinese premier Li Peng, who played a crucial role in the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, seem like a reminder of Beijing’s intolerance of those whose opinions and ideologies differ from its own. To safeguard national security, maintain public order and develop the economy, the Communist Party will prevent its administration from collapsing at all costs.

The deployment of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) troops to suppress dissidents and students in Beijing 30 years ago is proof of this. But, for its own interests, the Communist Party is unlikely to use the garrison stationed in Hong Kong to curb the current political crisis.

Although the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office’s press conference on July 29 was rather moderate and accorded with the Hong Kong government’s own statements, commending the police force for their selfless service, it might cause a steady escalation in the protests.

Praised and emboldened by the State Council, the police force in Hong Kong might become increasingly arrogant and brutal in repressing protesters. The police, as a result, may be used in lieu of the PLA to quell the unrest in Hong Kong.

Thus, to control the current turmoil, the Hong Kong police must be vigilant and careful. Meanwhile, protesters ought to refrain from radical action against the police, since this is not a solution to the crisis. As an increasing number of sectors stand with the protesters and the Independent Commission Against Corruption is looking into the attack in Yuen Long, there will be justice one day.