Well first of all, if you think there's anything China can do to stop the provocations from the US, you're seriously reading the situation wrong. US provocations and attempts to undermine China will only continue and increase in frequency and intensity, and the only thing China can do is to neutralize them as best as it can.
As for HK, do you have such a short memory as to forget the massive protests against the extradition law? By allowing the riots to go on, the Central Government achieved the following objectives:
- Successfully converted millions of HK residents who would otherwise still have believed Western propaganda.
- Exposed the hypocrisy of Western media to both Mainland citizens and overseas diaspora.
- Uncovered CIA funding networks and destroyed them.
- Uprooted NED-funded HK media corporations such as Apple Daily and dismantled their operations.
HK was truly a masterful stroke of Taichi, turning the US attempt at color revolution into an opportunity to severely degrade US influence in HK and turn HK residents into patriots almost overnight.
You are too optimistic in your assessment.
I live in HK, so I can say a thing or two about the situation in HK.
the National Security Law seemed to have worked because there was the local PLA garrison, and the PLA units across the border ready to enforce it, meaning the presence of force did its part to ensure the effectiveness of the NSL.
the CIA-backed rioters saw that the Central Government meant business and fled. So it is essential to show your determination, and as early as possible for that matter.
Many of us still feel that Beijing has acted too late, it should have nipped the rebellion in the bud. Now the community is divided as
the problem was allowed to drag on for too long, the politicians were hamstrung, the police force demonized and demoralized, the rioters were emboldened, and many school and college kids were enticed by romance and fashion to join in their ranks and many of their parents were convinced or forced to align with their children in a bid to stay together as a family.
We have close to 10000 people arrested for taking part in the rioting, though to varying degrees of involvement and violence. close to 200000 people have left the enclave. Those that are remaining ARE HARBORING RESENTMENT and simmering under the surface, and who knows how many people belong to this hidden group! I'd call that a pyrrhic victory for Beijing,
The damage to the divided community is huge and difficult to repair. It may be quiet now in HK on the surface, but I am afraid it is only a superficial calm.....
in conclusion, as painful as it is, I feel that Beijing should act promptly on the Taiwan issue, don't let the USA meddle too deeply, and supply too much weaponry. China may feel the time is on its side, but the USA knows it too, and so is stirring up trouble across Asia now. There won't be the "perfect" time per se to take action, just the most opportunistic time.
again, time to build up Huangyan Shoal and take the initiative, don't put yourself at the whims and mercy of USA-PH.
