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Opinion | To Beijing, the Hong Kong protest unrest is now a threat on a national level
- The unrest must stop. This is no longer just about Hong Kong but a matter of China’s national sovereignty and security. For Hongkongers to ignore Beijing’s messages or shrug them off is a big mistake
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Hong Kong’s protests and unrest have now lasted for nearly three months. What started out as marches against the extradition bill – which the government subsequently abandoned – has turned into a show of wider discontent.
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There have been many peaceful assemblies. But some incidents have been violent, leading to injuries, and some have involved vandalism of public buildings. Several actions have seriously disrupted transport and other facilities – even closing the airport.
Protest themes have broadened. Some are aimed at the police. Others reflect broader anti-government feeling arising from the handling of the extradition bill and other policy failings over many years. Many participants support the “five big demands”, including a call for political change – which are far too complex for a quick response.
Among other things, we have seen the destruction of national symbols and the flag, and slogans have appeared, on “liberating” Hong Kong, “revolution”, or simply stating that “Hong Kong is not China”.
I believe there is a way out of this. But to start on that and move on, we must take a step back and accept that this is not simply about Hong Kong. This has become a national issue.
While we are focusing on the local angle, the central people’s government sees the situation here as a concern for the whole country. Yet, amazingly, a huge number of people and groups in Hong Kong play down, or even ignore, what Beijing has to say.
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