China Vows Tougher Security in Hong Kong. Easier Said Than Done

       On Wednesday, Beijing urged Hong Kong's leader to to support a push for stronger security measures there, as they have been hit by months of protests against the government. However, what the Communist Party has suggested is unclear and could be difficult to enforce. For one, Hong Kong politicians have little interest in national security laws that have the potential to spark more protests. In addition, experts wonder how much Beijing can enforce their will on Hong Kong without damaging the trust in its special status both in China and internationally.
       The latest warning to end the protests that have gone on in Hong Kong for 22 weeks was delivered by a vice premier who oversees China's policy towards the territory. He described the protests as the worst conflict in Hong Kong since China took it over from the British in 1997.
       China did consider sending troops to stop the protests, but that idea went nowhere after being dismissed as unrealistic. Meanwhile, China's central government has praised the Hong Kong police force, but they are still struggling intensely against the protesters.
       On top of other problems, Hong Kong's British-derived legal system has the potential to confound and complicate any Chinese attempt to impose laws against national security crimes.
       China could declare a state of emergency in Hong Kong, but that could inflame the protest and shake international confidence in Hong Kong as a financial center.

China Vows Tougher Security in Hong Kong. Easier Said Than Done

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