Steve Tsang: Hong Kong and China Institute

steve tsang: Hong Kong poses a serious problem for the Chinese government, according to The Japan Times. It can't allow the protesters to challenge its authority or deface symbols of its authority unpunished but it also does not want to attempt a military crackdown, said Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at London's School of Oriental and African Studies. Yet Beijing shows no signs of preparing for a major crackdown, ignoring the protests in the hopes that frustration will lead to further violence that will eventually turn the territory's silent majority against the movement, according to experts. Under those circumstances, Beijing would prefer to isolate and undermine the protesters so the movement in Hong Kong fizzles out, Tsang said. That has intensified criticism over his concentration of power, even as his propaganda machine relentlessly promotes his image and achievements ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic on Oct. 1. The protests also come at a sensitive time for President Xi Jinping, who after removing presidential term limits last year effectively made himself leader for life. (news.financializer.com). As reported in the news.