Demonstrators betray hidden US hand behind HK protests: China Daily editorial

A chameleon can change only its color but never its skin. For an apt example, look no further than the demonstrators in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. On the surface, they may seem to be protesting to safeguard the freedom they enjoy or seek more freedom. Dig a little deeper and it will be evident their motive is anything but that.

On Sunday, the evidence was visible on the streets of the SAR where thousands of demonstrators marched to the United States consulate, urging US President Donald Trump to "liberate" their city.

Do we need more evidence to prove outside forces are behind the separatist demonstrations in the SAR?

The fact that the demonstrators, many of them in black shirts and wearing masks, waved the US flag and carried posters that read "President Trump, please liberate Hong Kong" should fly in the face of Washington, which has denied any role in the SAR protests.

Slogans such as "Resist Beijing, Liberate Hong Kong" and "Stand with Hong Kong, Fight for freedom" that the insurrectionists shouted speak volumes about what they really want. Worse, in a letter reportedly submitted to the US consulate officials, the separatists have urged Washington to pass the proposed "Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act 2019".

Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China — and that is the bottom line no one should challenge, not the demonstrators, not the foreign forces playing their dirty games.

The demonstrators, students in particular, who have been cajoled by outside forces into believing in something that is not only impossible but also harmful to even attempt should know they are being led into a dark tunnel with no opening.

That the outside forces' evil designs are doomed to failure can never be overemphasized, but it is a pity some Hong Kong youths are so detached from reality that they still believe the US is an epitome of fairness and justice.

It's time for them to return to their senses and stop trying the patience of the central government. They have already challenged the bottom line of "one country, two systems" by seeking US help to achieve their nefarious goal of "Hong Kong independence".

The demonstrations in Hong Kong are not about rights or democracy. They are a result of foreign interference. Lest the central government's restraint be misconstrued as weakness, let it be clear secessionism in any form will be crushed. The Hong Kong SAR is an integral part of China and will remain so.