Opinion | Hong Kong should enact national security laws, then seek a more liberal way to elect the chief executive

The saga of violence and vandalism continues. A Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act on Capitol Hill overhangs like the Sword of Damocles. The city broods in resignation and helplessness.

After the government agreed to withdraw the controversial extradition bill , the protests’ nature fundamentally changed. The remaining demands undermine levers of governance: the government, police, law and order, and the Basic Law. Street violence increasingly targets symbols of “one country”, including the national flag and emblem, and China-related banks and businesses.

With its pro-independence banners and slogans, proclaimed plans for a “provisional government”, a Hong Kong anthem, and White House meetings with activists, the protest movement is being defined by Beijing as an attempted colour revolution. The ulterior motive is to turn Hong Kong into a surrogate to undermine China’s national interests.

Things are likely to play out under three scenarios. First, the nuclear option of invoking Article 14 or 18 of the Basic Law. The former provides for inviting the local People’s Liberation Army garrison to intervene. The latter allows the National People’s Congress Standing Committee to apply mainland laws by declaring a state of emergency beyond Hong Kong’s control.