I myself have absolutely no problem with HKers wanting to have more freedom. I am ok with them protesting on the streets.
However, I do have a huge problem with some of them claiming not to be Chinese. Unlike Taiwan, where there had been some gray areas (especially concerning the aboriginals living on the island way before China took control of the island >400 years ago), Hong Kong has always been part of China. Even the British recognized this fact when they were the colonial power controlling HK. That’s why they had to return HK back to China when the lease was up, despite that fact that the British wanted to keep HK for themselves.
HK people had always identified themselves as Chinese. HK’s Chinese history drama in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s have been considered as classics and the golden standard of Chinese ancient history drama.
As the saying goes, they may hate the government, but they love the country. Similarly, HKers may hate the PRC, but they should never separate themselves from being Chinese.
An earlier article talks about an international student from HK feeling uncomfortable being referred to as being from “Hong Kong, China”. This, to me, would be unacceptable. The term “Hong Kong, China” is legally, politically, historically and socially correct in every sense of the word. HKers are Chinese in every sense of the definition. No matter how anyone spins it.
The HKer in the article considers themselves the same as Tibet and Taiwan. HK is very different in the sense that HK has always been offficially and legally part of China. Even the most staunched supporters of the Taiwan independence acknowledge that Taiwan and HK are very different. Most of the supporters of the Taiwan independence movement consider HK as a Chinese territory colonized by the British. They always proudly claim that “we have independence, but they (HKers) have never had independence.
Even one of the main leaders of the protest made a statement today that he is not seeking Hong Kong independence. That means he acknowledges that HK is part of China. Then HKers are Chinese. “Hong Kong, China” is an absolutely 100% correct description.