China’s choice in Hong Kong: Accept protests or crush dissent

Hong Kong's protests are a major challenge to how China's ruling Communist party chooses to rule.

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The Hong Kong protest movement that started against a proposed extradition bill in June has steadily grown into a pushback about China’s growing influence in the region.

After millions turned out in support of movements, the protests are seen as the most serious challenge to China’s ruling Communist Party’s authority since the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989.

Hong Kong is one of the most important financial centres in the world. It has its own currency, its own passport and its own legal system. It remains important for China as multinational corporations use it as a launch pad to the mainland and while enabling Chinese companies access to the rest of the world.

However, though it is a city in China, it’s not entirely Chinese.

To the north of the city is a border with mainland China and the city of Shenzen that requires a permit to cross.

Now, as the protests continue to grow in size and violence the potential of an intervention from China increases.

The rulers of China’s Communist Party must choose between the potential collapse of economic stability and prosperity, or the acceptance that protests can limit their power.

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