Read more in Daily Special: Authorities condemn HK 'referendum' as 'invalid and illegal'


Tuesday marked the 17th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, but a massive demonstration was launched on the same day by Hong Kong opposition groups. It was reported that the number of protesters was the largest ever, but the exact number varied significantly according to different groups. This demonstration, along with the latest "referendum," was hailed as a victory by the pan-democracy groups, which believe great pressure has been imposed on the central government.

The July 1 demonstration seems to have developed into a political tradition. The organizers are basically the Hong Kong opposition groups, but the participants and their demands have become increasingly various, which make the campaign more like a party at which different classes of people vent their emotions.

The number of participants is what the opposition values the most, and their calculation is always higher than that of the local police. The number of protestors, to some extent, can reflect the public will of Hong Kong, but they cannot represent the entire society. The opposition shouldn't be indulged in forcing their ideas into the decision-making process through street politics.

It could be anticipated that in the near future, the Hong Kong opposition will reinforce their protests to coerce the central government to compromise regardless of the Basic Law.

The overall mentality of Hong Kong society is now intertwined with many contradictory feelings. As the ingrained superiority of local residents in Hong Kong starts to fade away in face of the prosperity of the Chinese mainland, Western democracy has become the most distinct token that can separate Hong Kong from the Chinese mainland.

Different attitudes toward democracy make some Hongkongers proud of what they can do to go against the central government. Being part of the protests doesn't mean they really care about the results, but they are just enjoying the feeling of being different.

The disparity between the mainland and Hong Kong has posed a challenge to the whole nation. The central government needs a sober mind to ensure Hong Kong can enjoy both justice and stability.

Insisting on the Basic Law is not contradictory to meeting the demands of the Hong Kong people.

Dealing with these protests cannot be done at the cost of enlarging the gap between the mainland and Hong Kong. The central government doesn't have to have high expectations of Hong Kong society's satisfaction rate, and more tenacity is needed in the face of these protests.