The relationship between Hong Kong and the Central Government (Chinese Government) obviously must be carefully maintained under the so-called “one country two systems”. Given the anti-protest and pro-“harmony” nature of the Central Government, what would the Hong Kong authorities do to protect it from protests? Look no further than this:
In front of the Central Government’s Liaison Office in the city, where protests are often staged, a big planter is planted, leaving little space for pedestrians and more so for protesters.
This, coupled with the heavy police presence on days of protests, easily leads to scuffles in front of the Office because of limited space, and persecution of protesters, such as for spilling of champagne.
Protesters, unlike protests at anywhere else in the city, are also barred from placing any protest letter on the doors/walls of the Office. Despite the obvious fact that the treatment for the Office is special, the authorities often deny that. They claimed, for instance, the planter was installed purely for the purpose of greening and so far no complaints had been received towards it from the public. So it is justified that it is there. I should also point out that this city’s authorities have one guiding principle in making their decisions – depending on if they receive complaints from the public. That is why so many signs of not to do this and not to do that have been put up across the city, especially in the park, a result of public complaints.
