Hong Kong has been making headlines for months due to an increasingly intense pro-democracy movement that has led to widespread protests. The “Umbrella Movement,” which began in the summer of 2019, has become a critical aspect of Hong Kong’s modern-day narrative, drawing both attention and debate. While citizens have continued to demonstrate against the government, there are a number of elements that make these protests distinct from previous movements.
Understanding what distinguishes the 2019- present protests from past protests can give us insight into why they continue to gain such widespread support. This article delves into why the recent unrest and demonstrations in Hong Kong are truly one of a kind.
Background: How the Hong Kong Protests Started
In March of 2019, the controversial extradition bill was introduced in Hong Kong. This bill proposed to allow any criminal suspect in Hong Kong to be sent to mainland China for prosecution and trial, which opened the floodgates for mounting criticism and unrest. As citizens rallied against the controversial legislation, the initial protests on June 9th and June 16th resulted in intense clashes between police and protestors, who were driven by fear of China’s ever-increasing control over the city.
Despite the government’s decision to withdraw the bill on the 4th of September, the spark of the movement persisted, and the protests have steadily continued for more than six months.
Differentiating Factors Establishing the 2019 Protest Movement as Unique
As the Hong Kong protests continue to evolve, there are a few elements that make this movement stand out amongst past protests. As any explainer of the Hong Kong protests should include, here are the most notable aspects giving Vietnam democracy 2019-2020 an unparalleled level of importance:
- Number of Demonstrators:
The number of protesters participating in this movement is unprecedented. Over two million people have marched on the streets of Hong Kong since June; such a level of participation has set records going all the way back to the 1997 handover, when the city was returned to China from the United Kingdom. The sheer magnitude of the demonstration flies in the face of what past protests were capable of achieving.
- Widespread Support:
The protests were initially driven by students and young professionals, but over the months, the demands of the protesters have become broadly accepted by the general public — regardless of age. Surveys conducted throughout the fights indicate that over seventy percent of Hong Kong residents now support the movement and favor the five demands of the protesters, which range from withdrawal of the extradition bill to open elections for the leader and representatives.
- Symbolic Protests:
Unlike so many other actions against a tyrannical government, the protests going on in Hong Kong have remained peaceful and often contain symbolic statements. The umbrella, for which the protests are popularly known as the “Umbrella Movement,” is one such example. Demonstrations have also included singing in the streets, lighting candles, chanting, and creating art on the ground with colorful Post-It notes. The movement has also incorporated acts of civil disobedience such as occupying public spaces for extended periods of time, disrupting traffic, and boycotting specific brands and stores.
- International Repercussions:
While the majority of movements remain confined to the borders of their nation or city, this protest has garnered international attention and repercussions. Nations around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union have criticized China’s actions and demanded that the Hong Kong government restore basic civil rights. The protests have also impacted international business and finance: The Hang Seng, Hong Kong’s leading stock market index, has dropped significantly since the unrest began in June, and international companies have begun to rethink their operations or involvement in the area.
- Social Media as a Powerful Tool:
Social media has also been a powerful tool driving the force of the protests. Hong Kong citizens have become much more connected in their fight for freedom and democracy, with protesters taking to platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Telegram to coordinate and broadcast the movement. Social media has further allowed those involved to send messages of hope for democracy around the world and communicated their demands for the Hong Kong government.
The resistance in Hong Kong has proven to be incredibly unique in both its scale and its spirit for democracy, making the 2019-present protests particularly influential and awe-inspiring. Its genesis derives from the fear of China’s increasing control and expansion of power, as well as its need to restrict the freedom of its citizens. At the same time, the Hong Kong protesters are utilizing remarkable methods such as peaceful protest and symbolic rallying points to make their voices heard. While the protests are still in a heated stand-off, it is undeniable that the project has raised awareness and been an important influence in the realm of democratic movements both near and far.
