The extradition bill is really just the spark of these protests. They were revolting because of all the shenanigans Mainland China has been doing in HK.
Aaah. "Shenanigans".
IF the CPC strived to make a long term plan and take steps for gradual integration of HK into mainland system , seeing that the system was allowed to last till 2047 - "shenanigans" would not be the word any sensible and rational person would choose; "Pragmatic" would be the word.
China has three options.
/ Allow the system to continue indefinitely- thereby fostering more secessionist or seperatist movements.
/ Destroy the 1C-2 system for good and cripple HK to benefit other cities - a rotting cadaver for Shenzen to draw nutrients from.
/ Integrate HK into the league of Tier 1 cities that acts as pockets of Chinese prosperity and realization of the "Chinese dream".
China chose the third one.
Contrary to beliefs - the MANDATE does not lie with the CPC. It does not lie with HK people. It lies with the MAINLANDERS - A loosely huddled mass of Chinese often spat and looked down upon . HK's fate depends upon their decision. Not the Communist Party's. The Party can influence their decision but it does not even need to try. That is precisely why i opinion ed that burning flags, attacking mainlanders or pro-establishment/pro-beijingers , waving flags of foreign nations or getting caught colluding with foreign representatives etc are not going to help.
Have anyone noticed how Mainland publications are not exactly censoring the protests ? Trump's trade war, Huawei's recent impediment , Focus on China as a boogeyman during US elections, scrutiny on Chinese origin (or Chinese national) students and faculty in US and Ally nation universities and tech hubs, constant attack on Chinese as a nation etc are exactly NOT going to help the HK cause - Especially when the Chinese people seems to have seen the light at the end of the tunnel...especially when a lot many of people with nationalist leanings are convinced that the Chinese dream is possible.
Things are going to change big after the Taiwanese elections.