I don't think that Chinese party was pushing for that. I think it was local overzealous party apparatchiks that escalated the issue. But once escalated China w

I don't think that Chinese party was pushing for that. I think it was local overzealous party apparatchiks that escalated the issue. But once escalated China will not back down as it would make them appear 'weak' so they have no choice but to push harder further escalating violence (although it appears that only pro-china side is using violence). This whole thing could be spun by china as "those poor HK'er taited by capitalism need some time to adjust and see why 'communism' is better way forward. Instead we have a serious violence brewing, and if Tienanmen was possible then anything is on the table. Other theory is that China is trying something akin to mega city in that area thats why they need total control and now.