As hundreds of silent protesters sit in Hong Kong International Airport to reiterate their five demands on August 7th, the battle for democracy once again became the spotlight of the world. This turmoil started with the announcement of a potential extradition bill by the legislative council and this outrageous most of the residents of Hong Kong because this to them is as an attempt of stripping democracy from Hong Kong by the central government.

The local government has already suspended the bill and announce its death in July. However, after the mass organized protesting on June 16th, the battle for freedom is still ongoing war in Hong Kong.

The protesting in Hong Kong has been the headline of China for 60 days straight and still, no signs of comprising from both sides. Chinese authorities remained outside of the issue entirely with an only pale statement encouraging: “Hong Kong citizens should stand firm and guard their beautiful homelands,” said Hong Kong and Macau affairs office.

“The violence is getting more and more intense, impacting an increasingly full part of society. It can be said that Hong Kong is facing the most serious situation since its return.” A Chinese high ranked official said after overseeing the mass protest in Hong Kong
Hong Kong protesters do not agree with this statement made by the Chinese authority. “It is a pure lie, and the protest is based on peaceful actions and an urge for democracy.”
Multiple pictures published by the protesters seem to testify their claims. Men in black suits holding signs and stand silently against the police shown no aggressive signs. Other images released by the protesters shown the police throwing tear gases to crowds that had no weapons in their hands.

On Wednesday, August 7th, China increased the intensity by rejecting an independent inquiry requested by protesters. The central government in Beijing refuses to open any investigation if the unrest goes on. This statement disappointed many of the protesters who still hope to see China considerate the promises it made for Hong Kong over the democratic reforms.

For sure, China is on the verge of a hazardous situation, and President Trump added fuel to the fire. “But that’s between Hong Kong and that’s between China, because Hong Kong is a part of China. They’ll have to deal with that themselves. They don’t need advice.” He said in his previous meeting with President Xi over the trade deal. President Trump gave a free pass to China regarding the potential intervention of the central government that may cause bloodshed in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong mass protesting has been continued for more than two months now and has caused an enormous amount of damage to both the civilians and the police. Both sides are trying to bring the issue back on the table and resolve it with peaceful negotiation. Just as the spokesman of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office said: “I hope that the Hong Kong society will emerge from political disputes as soon as possible and concentrate on developing the economy and improving people’s livelihood.”

<Edward Liu/ University HS 10th Grade>