Letters | The tragedy of Hong Kong may have already been written, and its people are not the mere audience

Where is the separatist conspiracy in demands for universal suffrage, or the anti-China subversion in calls for a commission of inquiry?

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A young violin player joins the march of protesters from Causeway Bay to Central on December 8, the eve of the six-month anniversary of Hong Kong’s civil unrest. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 6:55am, 23 Dec 2019Updated: 6:55am, 23 Dec 2019

I refer to the letter from Regina Ip (“Hong Kong protesters are anti-China separatists who want to overthrow the local government”, December 7).

Ip never disappoints. Even after the humiliating defeat of her New People’s Party at the district council elections, she holds her head high. The “Iron Lady” of Hong Kong embodies the fighting spirit that President Xi Jinping expects from every cadre.

What does she fight against? Ip, under the threat of US sanctions, remains diplomatic in her choice of words. US politicians are not called out by name but referred to as “behind-the-scenes backers”. Her discretion extends to the radicals who commit arson and throw firebombs. Their violence is not labelled outright as terrorist tactics but only as methods “akin to those used by terrorists”.

The euphemisms deserve considerable appreciation. Perhaps Ip remembers that the allegedly abusive use of tear gas, water cannon and live rounds by police officers is so well-documented.

Also, not so “behind the scenes”, Beijing is vocal about its support for the police whose public rating is at an all-time low.

Like a protagonist in a Shakespearean play propelled by strong emotions, Ms Ip is unwavering about her version of reality.