Hong Kong extradition row shows that activism endures

Significance

The proposed law has sparked what is probably the most serious political controversy since Carrie Lam took office as Hong Kong’s chief executive in 2017. Lam denies that the initiative is being imposed by Beijing.

Impacts

• A large turnout at a demonstration on July 1 would prove that the public has not given up on protest.
• Foreign governments will pay more attention to Hong Kong’s governance, but public criticism would risk Beijing’s ire.
• The controversy will slow down China-Hong Kong integration more broadly, except in narrowly economic affairs.