Chinese leadership has long feared an uprising that would lead to another civil war and the death of tens of million, perhaps even more.
The violent subduing the student protests in Tiananmen Square, Beijing in 1989 has hung over China as a dark cloud and has been perceived by the world as a badge of shame ever since.
This time the central government acted with admirable restraint and apparent far great success.
According to an article in today’s New York times:
“Hong Kong Protester Ends Hunger Strike”
“Joshua Wong, the 18-year-old who has become the face ofHong Kong’s pro-democracy student protest movement, ended a hunger strike on Saturday, saying his doctor had advised him to do so as his health deteriorated…
Mr. Wong, a prominent leader of the protests that began here more than two months ago, started the hunger strike on Monday in an attempt to pressure the local government into negotiations. A prominent pro-democracy group declared on Tuesday that it was time to end the demonstrations in two parts of the city, and student leaders have said that they are considering whether to abandon the protest camps.”
Both sides likely won, although it may take time for this be verified. The government proved that it could deal with protests without resorting to undue force. It also learned that even a major protests did not set off revolutionary forces.
The students showed that they could protest in a responsible manner and convey a strong message to Beijing.
The whole issue is over concern of something that has not actually happened. Yes, Beijing has the right to approve the slate of candidates for the leadership of Hong Kong. But as of yet, apparently no slate has been submitted so no candidates have been rejected.
We must wait to see what plays out.
Given the embarrassment, cost and danger of massive Hong Kong student protest, Beijing may be circumspect about asserting its veto powers.
