Destabilization of Hong Kong Aimed at Breaking ‘One China-Two Systems’

Aug. 5, 2019 (EIRNS)—There was a third day of chaos in Hong Kong today, as the organizers of the riots had called for a “general strike.” Dozens of streets across the city were shut down, police stations attacked, fires set, and open clashes with police. Although they did not succeed in shutting down the airport as planned, Cathay Pacific did shut down all flights for Monday and Tuesday.

The rioters have given up their complaint about the extradition treaty, which Chief Executive Carrie Lam already pulled back, and are now demanding Lam’s resignation, while many are openly calling for breaking from China. Such calls are extremely dangerous, as China makes clear repeatedly, insisting that threats to “core interests” such as One China will be met by military force if necessary.

Lam held a press conference on Aug. 4 and did not mince words. She did not mention foreign support for the riots, but said that the “violent protesters are using the extradition bill to conceal ulterior motives,” and that if this continues, they will “push Hong Kong to the verge of a very dangerous situation.” She said that the “ulterior motives are going to destroy Hong Kong, and are a risk to ‘One Country, Two Systems.’ ” She said some rioters are calling it a “revolution,” and that “this is something of extreme importance that I hope every one of us will know.”