Letters | Hong Kong protesters have a choice: destroy the government and their own freedoms, or let peace and ‘two systems’ prevail

I understand that the Hong Kong government badly misjudged the public mood, awakening the “sleeping tiger” seeking universal suffrage. This tiger is afraid of losing its freedom under “one country, two systems”. Meanwhile, our young “tigers” are angry about the deteriorating quality of their lives.

But if the youngsters really choose a violent revolution, they may lose the freedoms they enjoy today. Hong Kong is a part of China and in the worst case it will be completely integrated into the country – the world will protest for a while and then move on. We are seeing this right now with the annexation of Crimea by Russia.

The movement may succeed in creating economic chaos but this is no route to success. Hong Kong represents less than 3 per cent of the Chinese economy; losses in Hong Kong are irrelevant to China compared to the risk of losing control of a part of the country. The Hong Kong people will bear the cost.

The media in the West is not helping either. Reports about protesters’ violent acts such as throwing bricks, petrol bombs, destroying property, storming buildings, attacking police stations and police officers, usually – misleadingly – bear a headline highlighting police use of tear gas. The police have taken such measures only in response to protesters’ violent acts, to defend public safety and order or even in self-defence.

Inciting the youngsters to keep up the violence to seek system change is irresponsible, and may provoke a strong reaction from the local government and Beijing to restore public order.