Hong Kong will force through contentious policies

Significance

On June 10, Edward Leung, one of Hong Kong's more prominent independence activists, was sentenced to six years imprisonment for rioting. On June 14, the Legislative Council passed controversial legislation allowing officials from mainland China to enforce mainland law within a designated area of Hong Kong's forthcoming high-speed rail station. Both mainland China and Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing establishment are becoming more assertive and confident in pursuing their interests in Hong Kong.

Impacts

• There may be movement on key policy issues, such as housing affordability, education reform and further economic integration with China.
• The opposition camp will become increasingly uncompromising, blocking government initiatives wherever it can.
• Public opinion will not shift as radically as the opposition and activist movements, but supports a check on government power.