There have been some twists and turns over the past week since clashes broke out between Hong Kong police and citizens there during massive demonstrations outside Hong Kong government's headquarters to demand universal suffrage.
Student leaders of the "Occupy Central" movement had agreed to talks with Hong Kong's Chief Secretary Carrie Lam but abandoned that plan after jarring clashes erupted between pro-democracy protesters and opponents in the densely populated Mong Kok district.
Many people are now worried about how the protests will end. For sure, it would not be easy.
The world is also watching how the "Occupy Central" movement in Hong Kong will evolve. Of even greater interest is the issue of how Hong Kong citizens will fight for their demands while trying to avoid bloody clashes and crackdowns, amid a deadlock with the Hong Kong government and Beijing.
Many people are also worried that the system in China's special administration region would collapse and that the political structure and economy would be undermined.
Questions have also been raised about the possibility of a tragedy similar to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in China.
The movement involves the definition of Hong Kong's political role under China's "one country, two systems" formula, the democratic values recognized by Hong Kongers, and conflicts between Chinese and Hong Kong people over the 17 years since the United Kingdom handed over Hong Kong back to China. These are all factors that are contributing to the protest movement.
Luckily, the Hong Kong government has been able to reach an agreement with the Hong Kong Federation of Students on bilateral dialogue.
Another positive development is that some scholars and politicians have been acting as mediators between the Hong Kong government and student protesters. This means that Hong Kong should be able to handle the issue on its own, without any direct intervention from Beijing.
It probably would not be the best strategy for the Hong Kong Federation of Students to close the door on dialogue with the Hong Kong government simply because of unexpected clashes.
Two factors need to be considered in any street movement: how to fight for the demands and how to end the protest. It is not easy to open the door to dialogue. The Hong Kong government and students protesters need to handle the situation wisely and rationally. (Editorial abstract -- Oct. 4, 2014)
(By Elaine Hou)
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