Read the full essay here.
The 2010 political reform in Hong Kong was a historic compromise between Beijing authorities and Hong Kong democrats. For the first time in 20 years, Beijing delegates negotiated directly with Hong Kong democrats, with both sides making concessions to strike a political deal. With the Hong Kong movement split into two factions, the “negotiating faction” managed to begin pact-making with Beijing. Beijing is still intent on controlling Hong Kong as a hybrid regime. For Hong Kong’s democrats to break out of the hybrid regime, it will take a protracted struggle—with the right balance of mobilization and negotiation.