China's sovereignty over Hong Kong sacrosanct

Both the United Kingdom and the United States have expressed concerns about the protests in Hong Kong. But as usual they have chosen to view them through a prism of their own motives. Hence, they talk of freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly, while keeping silent on the escalating violence accompanying them.

The Hong Kong they see exists on an alternate timeline, no one viewing the situation objectively will doubt that the protests have now gone far beyond being peaceful assemblies.

And the freedom of expression they are vaunting in their attempts to widen the divide between the two systems has deluded some into thinking they will rule the roost in a separate country - although they might as well ask for the moon since China's sovereignty over Hong Kong is not open to debate.