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July 1 march
OpinionLetters

LettersHong Kong’s July 1 nightmare was heartbreaking to watch

  • It was dispiriting to see the disruption of a day marking the handover of Hong Kong
  • Projecting such a bad image to the world will discredit both mainland China and Hong Kong

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The Legislative Council sign covered with paint and graffiti calling for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to step down, on July 2. The city legislature was left vandalised after protesters stormed in during a demonstration against the extradition bill on July 1, the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from British to Chinese sovereignty. Photo: Sam Tsang
Letters
I have been living in Hong Kong for more than 20 years and I have never seen Hong Kong people lose their spirit in this way (“Extent of rampaging protesters’ destruction in legislature revealed”, July 3). Projecting such a bad image to the whole world will discredit both China and Hong Kong in the long run. China as a rising power has its concerns; and Hong Kong has his own fears – but I believe these are groundless.
In any case, the solution to this dilemma cannot be through hasty action or vandalism. If China considers Hong Kong a golden goose and Hong Kong treats China as a “father”, with mutual respect and understanding, the problem will be resolved in peace, which is what we need most in Hong Kong now, before things gets worse.

I believe that China’s policymakers are smart enough to keep the golden goose and Hong Kong will build up trust in the authorities in China, keeping in mind that a government mindset, which focuses on the big picture, is different from the mindset of a citizen walking on the street, like the difference between a father and his child.

It was heartbreaking to watch the July 1 nightmare in one of the safest places in the world. I’m hoping that we wake up in peace in the coming days.

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