The Intelligence from The Economist PLA a part? Hong Kong’s growing unrest
Aug 6, 2019
James Miles, China editor for The Economist, dives into Hong Kong's escalating unrest and the chilling signals of possible military intervention from Beijing. He discusses the nuanced government response and evolving public sentiment, contrasting it with past authoritarian actions. The conversation explores the implications of troop deployments, potential local backlash, and international perceptions. Additionally, they touch on the controversial rise of employee ownership and the staggering inflation of concert ticket prices, highlighting economic pressures on artists and consumers alike.
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Hong Kong Protests Escalate
- Hong Kong protesters are mounting their fiercest challenge yet to the government, escalating two months of protests.
- Civil servants are striking, paralyzing transport and halting flights, with demonstrations growing more violent.
China's Calculated Response
- China's central government held a second press conference on Hong Kong, signaling its intent to control the narrative.
- The press conference, while condemning the protests, was noncommittal on military intervention.
A Change in Tone
- The tone of the recent press conference was markedly different from those preceding the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989.
- Officials appeared calm and measured, expressing disappointment and puzzlement rather than aggression.