Why the Police Can't End the Protests in Hong Kong: A Deeper Analysis

When it comes to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong, the question often arises, 'Why can't the police simply stop them once and for all?' The answer is multifaceted, and it involves both practical and political considerations.

Practical Challenges and Guerrilla Warfare

The most straightforward answer is that the police don't have the tools and capabilities to effectively contain and disperse these protests. Just as Syria struggles to defeat groups like ISIS, the police lack the methods and strategies necessary to handle the current situation.

The protesters employ tactics reminiscent of guerrilla warfare. They strike quickly, blending back into the crowd whenever confrontation is perceived. This makes it incredibly difficult for the police to enact a reactive strategy that would be effective. To truly address this form of warfare, one would need a far more proactive and aggressive approach, which the current government may be hesitant to implement.

Political Reasons and Economic Consequences

However, the primary reasons for the reluctance of the Hong Kong police to act more assertively are political.

Around 2016, the police adopted a pragmatic and humane approach, focusing on crowd control rather than mass arrests of rioters. This approach reflects a more restrained, non-confrontational strategy that avoids mass arrests, which could anger the parents and families of the teenagers involved. While arresting 10,000 protesters might seem like a straightforward solution, the political ramifications could be severe.

Pragmatic and Humane Approach

It is said that in 2016, the police were trained with methods similar to those used by the Korean and Vietnamese police. The training emphasizes crowd control and de-escalation techniques, rather than mass arrests. The focus is on dispersing the crowd rather than trying to stow away activists or instigators.

Backlash and Social Unrest

Mass arrests could exacerbate the situation. Parents and concerned citizens alike would push to bail out their children, creating a wave of support for the protesters. This could lead to a situation where individuals with criminal records find it difficult to secure employment, potentially leading to social unrest and political instability in the future. A well-known example of this is Joshua Wong, who, due to his criminal record, continues to engage in activist work.

It is a common practice to point fingers at external actors, blaming the police or the government. However, the reality is that ending the protests requires more than governmental action. It demands strong support from the majority of the population. Currently, this support appears to be lacking.

Conclusion

In essence, the reluctance of the Hong Kong police to stop the protests is driven by a combination of practical limitations and political considerations. While a more aggressive approach might seem to promise quick results, the long-term ramifications are concerning. Instead, the focus is on maintaining stability and avoiding backlashes. The ongoing unrest is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach involving law enforcement, legal reforms, and broader societal support.

Keywords: Hong Kong protests, guerrilla warfare, police tactics, political reasons, economic impact