Editorial | It is imperative that all in Hong Kong give peace a real chance
- After weeks of protests, putting an end to the chaos and violence must be the priority followed by an in depth, multifaceted look into how the city has reached this stage
Restoring peace is now Hong Kong’s top priority following weeks of escalating violence fuelled by those protesting against the now-abandoned extradition bill. This was made crystal clear by Beijing at a press conference in the capital and a seminar in Shenzhen involving hundreds of politicians and business figures over the past few days. Before addressing the fundamental problems that gave rise to the city’s most serious political crisis since its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, it is imperative that we stay united to make restoring social order and stability the immediate common goal.
Describing the recent violent protests as bearing “the obvious characteristics of a colour revolution”, a reference to the unrest in the eastern European states of the former Soviet Union, the central government has issued the clearest warning yet that the red lines of sovereignty and “one country, two systems” cannot be crossed. While the possibility of deploying troops from the People’s Liberation Army garrison stationed in Hong Kong is always there, Beijing has sensibly entrusted the task of restoring order to Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and the Hong Kong police. That explains the need to express full, unequivocal support for them, even though it may further provoke those who have taken to the streets.
No fewer than eight protests are being organised for this month. Indeed, there may well be even more until the government responds to protesters’ demands. The right to demonstrate is enshrined in the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, and should not be curbed. But protests must be conducted within the law in a peaceful manner. The past few weeks have shown that violence only breeds contempt and is no way out of the current impasse. This must be amplified and made clear in one loud and clear voice.
Ultimately, there needs to be concrete ways to address a host of issues surrounding the unprecedented unrest. This includes the questionable actions of protesters and police officers, the deep-seated problems contributing to the public outrage as well as feasible ways to reunite the city. This may require going beyond a fact-finding investigation; rather, the authorities should engage various stakeholders to reach a consensus in a more structured framework. It appears that the option of an inquiry into the extradition bill saga has been left open, which is necessary to help get to the roots of the problems and learn lessons. But putting an end to the chaos and violence must be the priority at this stage.
The need for all sectors to unite and make concerted efforts to bring the city back to normal has never been more apparent. Only through restoring peace and stability expeditiously can the government and society work together to steer Hong Kong out of the crisis.