The recent crackdowns in Hong Kong using the new national security law will keep pro-democracy forces cautious about overly confrontational protest or political tactics. With activists focused on surviving the city’s newly restrictive environment, Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the pro-Beijing camp will be able to pursue policies and practices that enhance their chances in 2021 elections and shore up mainland China’s foothold in the city and enhance their chances in 2021 elections. On Oct. 1, Hong Kong protesters turned out to mark China’s National Day, heeding calls by activists to defy the city’s COVID-19 ban on demonstrations. However, the turnout was meager compared with past events, with citywide estimates in the low hundreds. Ahead of the protests, mainland Liaison Office Director Luo Huining essentially declared victory and hailed the actions of the National People’s Congress in imposing the new national security legislation for ending the "savage unrest” in Hong...
