Sending in troops would have huge repercussions. For now, the threats are intended to intimidate
political crisis in Hong Kong has taken a lurch for the worse. Flash-mob protests across the territory have led to a sharp increase in violence, with hardball tactics employed both by anti-government demonstrators and police. In an unprecedented move for Asia’s pre-eminent financial centre, the authorities shut down Hong Kong’s airport for two days in a row in response to large demonstrations there.
The following day demonstrators returned, and flights were again cancelled. As the evening wore on, the mood grew nastier. Protesters cornered a man who they claimed was an undercover police officer from the mainland. The man fainted, yet protesters refused to give access to medics. Riot police eventually rescued him. During the operation one officer came under frenzied attack and drew his pistol. Demonstrators also assaulted another man, claiming he too was a mainland agent.
Activists have called for another large-scale rally in central Hong Kong on August 18th. This will be a test of whether the public is growing weary of the violence and fearful of the Communist Party’s warnings. These have been growing ever more shrill. Party-controlled media have been churning out what they describe as evidence that the unrest has become a “colour revolution” and that foreign “black hands” are behind it .
One prong of China’s approach has become clearer: stern demands for business to fall into line. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s home-grown airline, is the most obvious victim. Its parent, Swire Pacific, has roots in Hong Kong’s early colonial history. Many of its ground staff and cabin crew have taken part enthusiastically in marches; one pilot was even arrested for rioting.
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