Raging protests have taken over one of Asia’s largest financial centers: Hong Kong. Protesters took to the highways in absolute havoc, demanding free elections. Refusing to budge, police say that had to employ force. In effect, tear gas and pepper spray rained over the thousands gathered, resulting in over forty seven people injured.
Since the 1997 handover from Britain, Hong Kong agreed to remain a part of China, but to be independent in its own way. Hong Kong is an island not connected to China, located off the southern coast. Though the people of Hong Kong still enjoy limited press freedom (not true in mainland China), the situation is known as “One Country, Two Systems.”
Recently, China decided to only allow Beijing-vetted candidates to run in Hong Kong’s top election. This created fury in the hearts and minds of Hong Kong residents. The young people of this city in particular have taken a strong stance against this decree.
Despite the fact that police forces have been taking forcible measures, the protesters have been adamant. The demonstrators, though fighting for what they believe is right, have been causing a disruption, consequently shutting down many schools and businesses. Traffic concerns are also a growing problem. To deflect the tear gas and pepper spray, the protesters are using umbrellas in what is now becoming known as the “Umbrella Revolution” on social media sites.
Though there is a big surge in the amount of people that want Hong Kong independent, there are many civilians in Hong Kong and the world who think that the residents of Hong Kong are better off being part of China.
At Ridge High School, Amy Che ’17 states, “I feel like [the protesters] are trying to get into something they don’t know about. They’re winging it.” Hong Kong and China are culturally different because of Hong Kong’s British influence, but Hong Kong’s economy is dependent on China.
“It’s great to see the Hong Kong Federation of Students and Scholarism (HKFSS) protest the National People’s Congress Standing Committee’s (NPCSC) decision,” Aadi Kulkarni ’18 says, speaking for the other side. “Hong Kong has been waiting too long to govern itself and it is inspiring to see these students stand up for what is right.”
Many think of Hong Kong as another entity that is jumping on the bandwagon. Sejal Waghray ’15 observes, “The Umbrella movement in Hong Kong in some ways mirrors the Occupy Wall Street movement or the Arab Spring. Hopefully the voice of the people is actually heard rather than simply censored.”
The protests are majorly disrupting the everyday lives of people and the businesses of Hong Kong. At their peak, more than 10,000 protesters stood outside, demanding their natural rights. Will Beijing or the people of Hong Kong get their choice? Only time will tell.