Talks began more than 20 years ago between Hong Kong and Beijing on a rendition agreement. Why did nothing come of it, and why is the government opting for a case-by-case approach that fails to address Hongkongers’ demand for fair trial safeguards?
Reconciliation efforts elsewhere show the power of honest dialogue where people can speak up and be heard, leading to a deeper understanding and ultimately resolution. But the process requires courage, and a willingness to transcend long-held positions.
Hong Kong protesters are battle-hardened from learning to survive in a city that is tough to live in. If the government thinks the people can be scared off by thugs, beaten down by force and willing to have their voices silenced, it is mistaken.
Many Hongkongers have lost out due to economic changes, and many have deep-seated distrust of mainland China. The Hong Kong government must first address their financial insecurities, before it can work on fostering a sense of Chinese identity.
The government needs to crawl out of its bunker and show it is not a puppet leader. The protesters need to make clear their concerns and reach for solutions. A leaderless drift will only allow thugs and hardliners to take brutal control – as happened with Tiananmen
With 1,400 US companies in Hong Kong, Washington has little to gain from increased political risk in the city. Are those who blame the unrest on the US blind to the fact that Hong Kong public servants have joined the movement too?