You do indeed, but the the power distribution is far from even, as many a Chinese tycoon has discovered when they've come out on the wrong side of Beijing and f

You do indeed, but the the power distribution is far from even, as many a Chinese tycoon has discovered when they've come out on the wrong side of Beijing and found themselves in prison. There are always laws that can be selectively brought to bear when required. My point is that the rich and powerful in HK are unlikely to do anything that irks Beijing. They don't need to be bribed into cooperating and will do as they are told regardless. The risk to social stability of the status quo and the liklihood of it putting a significant portion of the population on the streets protesting seems a much greater risk.