Political solution is only way forward

The calm for Hong Kong that authorities had hoped for after more than two months of escalating civil unrest was not to be. Instead, the tactics of protesters and police have shifted, taking events to a worrying and sometimes dangerous level.

The cancellation of flights at the airport amid a huge protest against claimed excesses by officers was one matter; dozens were injured in weekend clashes and with hatred so rife, trust further eroded and law and order being ignored, prospects for reconciliation appear grim. Never has there been a greater need for chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and her government to provide the political wisdom that is so necessary to return

the city to peace and stability.

The response from Beijing and authorities in Hong Kong has understandably been harsh. All have condemned the violence; the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office went as far as suggesting the more radical elements of the protest movement bore the shoots of terrorism. Lam’s policy address in October is expected to offer a range of handouts and incentives. But sweeteners are not going to ease the hatred or calm an incendiary mood.

Nor will an ever-tougher approach by police, with the backing of Beijing and the government; matters have gone beyond that. Authorities cannot expect Beijing and the police to solve the crisis. A political solution is the only way forward.