One Year Later: The Hong Kong Protests As Seen From Both Sides

On March 31st, 2019, as stated by Reuter’s Graphics, an estimated 2 million protesters took to the streets in Hong Kong. What started off as a small demonstration moving throughout the side streets of this East Asian peninsula has evolved into one of the largest protests in history, with nearly 2 million concurrent protestors marching down the central streets of Hong Kong. 

After years of on and off protests in Hong Kong, like the 2014 Umbrella Revolution, China tried to introduce a bill that would allow them to extradite anyone they thought was a runaway criminal. Due to Hong Kong’s unique status, this was actually a common issue, with criminals running from China into Hong Kong, where they were essentially immune to any and all punishment.  Citizens of Hong Kong believe that this bill gives China the power to extradite anyone who speaks out against them from their country and will lead to heavy suppression of free speech. This was the tipping point of years of conflict, which is why these current protests are so intense.

There have been thousands of differing opinions on how these protests have been conducted. Some argue that the protestors are doing what needs to be done.

Elly Yu, a senior who is a Hong Kong resident, said she believed the protestors were acting peacefully. “There’s no need for the bill,” said Yu when asked if the bills needed changing or were fair. 

Others, especially Chinese residents, argue that the police and China have been acting fairly to enforce their new law in an attempt to keep the peace on the streets of Hong Kong. 

“[They are] definitely not fair in terms of how they are protesting,” said an anonymous Chinese boarding student. The Chinese resident continued by saying the bill was “unachievable.” 

Although Hong Kong and Chinese residents may differ in opinion regarding the protests, they seemed to agree for the first time when asked how they thought the protests would end. Both mentioned continued pain and suffering were inevitable and that the protests could go on for years. 

“It will definitely keep going on,” said Yu. “I don’t see them ending any time soon.” 

Yu further predicted that Hong Kong will have to merge with China by 2047. The Chinese resident, on the other hand, believes that although the protests probably would not end in war, they would conclude with a great economic struggle. 

In addition to the rising tensions caused by the protests, the behavior of the police have also sparked much debate and conflict. 

When asked about how the police in Hong Kong were dealing with the situation, Yu answered that she believed once the violence began, most of the “ethical” police left before they could get enveloped in the conflict. She believes there are definitely fair and ethical police, just most of them have left by now. 

On the other hand, the Chinese resident conceded that although the protests were unfair, there was violence coming from police and protestors, claiming the police may be going too far with loaded weapons, but other than that they were acting ethically. 

“I think we need to guarantee the safety of the police first,” said the Chinese resident, then noting he had never actually been at a protest so he did not fully understand what the environment was like. “I think it’s necessary to have a limited military presence [in Hong Kong].” 

Despite the varying opinions and what side of the conflict one supports, the Hong Kong protests will be remembered as one of the major events during modern day history, no matter how they end. 

Note to reader: Even though this article offers strong opinions from each side of the conflict, we here at Viking Media encourage you to go out and talk to people you know, conduct your own research, and do your own investigating. We believe forming your own opinion not only makes you more informed, but more confident as well. These protests you’re witnessing today, you will be seeing in history books. You, the reader, have the unique opportunity to learn about a historical event as it happens, and we urge you to take 30 minutes out of your day to become informed yourself.