Hong Kong can be a gateway to liberal values for China

This is a by-invitation commentary in a series on “Hong Kong’s Future,” part of The Economist’s Open Future initiative, which aims to foster a global conversation across the ideological spectrum on vital issues. You can comment here or on Facebook and Twitter. More articles can be found at Economist.com/openfuture

The moment felt profound, when I and thousands of other protesters smashed our way into Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on July 1st. As I entered the legislative chamber, what struck me was the chasm between the ideals of the supposed democratic institution and the bitter realities that Hong Kong has endured over two decades. I was staring at the root cause of the problem in that very hall.