> FYI, some alleged that mainland policemen are already operating inside the HKPF. This is why I said "openly." Economically, Hong Kong is increasingly irrele

> FYI, some alleged that mainland policemen are already operating inside the HKPF. This is why I said "openly." Economically, Hong Kong is increasingly irrelevant to China - it's only like the fifth largest city by GDP, and there are 10 more catching up quickly. HK is far more important as a symbol, and if I were Xi Jinping headed into a turbulent global economy with flagging growth at home I wouldn't want it to look like I couldn't control my people. That said, it's a delicate balancing act. Too little response and you seem weak; too harsh and you draw international condemnation and confirm the worst fear of everyone who is counting on China to join the world order rather than try and upend it.