Welcome to the HK Happenings pilot! This column will feature snippets of the latest political developments and quirky news in Hong Kong.
The last Umbrella Movement protest site may have been swept up on Monday by the police, but things are far from over in Hong Kong.
A number of commentators have proclaimed the “end” of the Umbrella Movement and declared Beijing the “winners” in the showdown between pro-democracy protesters and the authorities.
Conversely, another handful feel it’s the Hong Kong people who have won. Through the tear gas, pepper sprays, and police batons over the nearly three-month occupation, Hongkongers rediscovered the sense of community from a generation ago.
Protesters have also promised future action, particularly when the second round of Hong Kong political reform consultations are held.
“We will be back,” reads banners put up by protesters in “Umbrella Square,” a once sprawling “tent city” in the financial and government district of Admiralty.
Exciting times loom ahead for Hong Kong, and by extension, China.
Some light news to start off, then the more serious stuff.
First, the occupation is technically not over. Protesters still have a small line of tents near the Legislative Council building and outside the British Consulate in Admiralty.
