This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 28, 2014, a pivotal moment in Hong Kong's history unfolded, marking the start of the Umbrella Movement. This event, though not explicitly calling for independence at the time, laid the groundwork for a movement that would eventually challenge Beijing's sovereignty over the region.
Beijing's white paper, released on August 31, 2014, asserted its 'all-inclusive power to govern' over Hong Kong, stating that the autonomy enjoyed by the special administrative region was granted by Beijing. This declaration sparked widespread anger among Hong Kongers, particularly those seeking universal suffrage and expecting China to uphold its promises, as outlined in the Basic Law.
As the Umbrella Movement progressed, it became clear that the protesters were not just fighting for democracy but also for self-determination. The movement's decentralized nature, with different factions and internal struggles, foreshadowed the flexible and pragmatic approach that would come to define the next generation of protesters.
Today, the notion that this cohesion, built around aspirations and identity, extends beyond differences has grown stronger. Even those not calling for outright independence are part of an independence movement. The Umbrella Movement was the first battle in the clash of Chinese civilization.
— Lewis Lau Yiu-man is a contributor to Stand News in Hong Kong and Up Media in Taiwan.
