How so? Would the Chinese government be able to just wantonly and unilaterally degrade HK citizen rights as they've done? They know there is no consequence for

How so? Would the Chinese government be able to just wantonly and unilaterally degrade HK citizen rights as they've done? They know there is no consequence for their actions, because HK citizens have no power. The threat of force only comes from one side. As of now, HK's only hope is to appeal to international actors that do have power.