Continued Tension Between Police and

Democratic Protesters in Hong Kong

The situation in Hong Kong between democratic protesters and the Hong Kong police is not subsided. In fact, tension has risen, with the Hong Kong police warning protesters that there will be hefty consequences if they decide to overtake government buildings (Yahoo, 2014). The protesters suggested this much, if they do not see that the leader of Hong Kong leader did not step down from office. The leaders of China have continued to support Hong Kong leader Lueng, all the while calling the events in Hong Kong “chaos”. These protests stem from “Beijing’s decision in August that candidates in Hong Kong’s first direct election in 2017 for the territory’s top post be approved by a mostly pro-Beijing committee. They accuse the central government of reneging on its promise that the chief executive would be chosen through “universal suffrage.”

China obviously has a major stake in what transpires in Hong Kong. If they don’t give into the protesters, they may continue having to deal with thousands of upset students and individuals in Hong Kong, who seem to have little reason to stop protesting. Yet, if the Chinese government gives into this position, they may feel weakened both in Hong Kong, and with the potential for domestic calls for reform. 

Yet, China must provide the democratic rights to Hong Kong, as well as to the citizens in mainland China. The international community must speak out on behalf of the protesters. However, whether states will is doubtful, particularly given issue of sovereignty, as well as political and economic ties to China. Yet, it is unfortunate, given that these protests are calling for complete electoral freedom.