Return of violence no way to confront fears over Hong Kong security law
- The latest protests show the city’s underlying problems remain unresolved, but violence only breeds mistrust, and concern at Beijing’s legislation is best reflected through rational and peaceful discussion
Social unrest sparked by the failed extradition bill last year has never been fully resolved. As soon as the coronavirus epidemic began to ease in recent weeks, protesters defied bans on unauthorised gatherings to make themselves seen and heard in the streets and shopping centres.
With a national security law being imposed by Beijing, the situation is even more worrying. The resurgence of violence does nothing for Hong Kong and, if anything, makes the central government even more determined to push ahead with the law, which may in turn result in more fierce confrontations.
The clashes on Sunday were the most violent since the Covid-19 outbreak earlier this year. Although they may have been smaller in scale than those at the peak of the turmoil, the images were just as disturbing.
At least two people, one a lawyer, were assaulted by protesters clad in black. Police fired tear gas and pepper balls at crowds in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai and arrested at least 180 people, mostly on suspicion of unauthorised assembly and disorderly conduct in a public place.
It would be worrying if the renewed tension escalates further. The social unrest and prevailing volatile international environment have led Beijing to believe the law is necessary on the grounds that foreign powers are working with local forces to seek independence and undermine the state and security.