China Briefing | Forget Lam’s extradition U-turn, Xi’s channelling of Mao shows he’s about to get tough on Hong Kong
- Any optimism that the crisis has been defused is likely to be short-lived
- Protesters may feel emboldened – and if they do, they have misread the mood in Beijing
Indeed, her withdrawal offer would have had a much bigger impact had it come immediately after the protests turned violent in mid-June. But after nearly three months of violent demonstrations, protesters appear to have moved beyond the extradition bill and have since vowed to press on with demonstrations until the rest of their demands are met.
Lam seems to suggest that her peace offering, which also includes beefing up the police watchdog with more independent members to look into the force’s handling of protests, and engaging experts and academics to study and find solutions to deep-rooted economic and social problems, should be enough as a first step in calming the unrest.
But that will probably prove to be wishful thinking.
Interestingly, Lam’s abrupt turn came two days after the leaked audio recording of her remarks in a closed-door meeting became the talk of the town, prompting all sorts of speculation about her intentions and the implications of her speech.