Hong Kong protests: How will China respond? - BBC Newsnight

On the 22nd anniversary of the handover of the territory from British to Chinese control, protesters have stormed the legislative chamber.

Emily Maitlis speaks to Chinese dissident and artist, Ai Weiwei, about how China might respond to the violence.

Newsnight is the BBC's flagship news and current affairs TV programme - with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.

[rickyshun]

The UK cares so much about human rights, yet they don't care about that of Julian Assange whom they bundled unjustly into a maximum security jail, treating him like a criminal for speaking out the truth about war crimes, such hypocrites.

[GaryFinneyfrock]

Note: It is always students and the poor that overthrow governments in the masses

[krishnanair]

BBC, why there are no proper media coverage on yellow vest protests, not violent enough or the queen wants it kept quiet about it

[tomisapamsuraj]

The UK cares so much about human rights, what about UK speaks something about Indias occupation of Manipur by Indian Army.

[jeremy]

China will only respond to her people in xianggang, but not any foreign country.

[mrbanana]

Chinese trolls out in force in the comments

[wisetourever]

I love Singapore’s “limited freedom”. Singapore is the future.

[celularegitoegito]

So you care about maintaining British Law in Hong Kong. But free speech in England is a right wing issue?

[jmascisss]

Dear BBC,
Any chance of a free and fair public Newsnight debate about the BBC rich-list, where members of the public get to understand why BBC news-readers are paid £250k per year?
I think it would help to redress the balance, given all the bad-press the BBC have had recently about over 75s losing their free TV licenses.
(Emily Matliss interviewing the BBC Chairman is not what I have in mind)

[tomahawkpiper]

Not only students, by honest worker and ppl from all sorts of professions. More importantly peaceful protest in most part but some force are necessary. When injustices become law, resistance becomes duty.

[ngiapenhiong]

Ai wei wei keep saying that the protests and rioting are 'peaceful'. He's probably blind or the biggest liar ever to go on TV.

[rifleshooterchannel]

Ok Alfred Wee-Wee, thanks for your input.

[hpaul]

The human race are genetically wired to have a deep need to belong to a tribe, Tribalism is pervasive, and it controls a lot of our behavior, readily overriding reason, Wars are essentially tribalism. Genocides are tribalism – wipe out the other group to keep our group safe.
It seems to be that our best hope is to work toward expanding our concept of our tribe to include ever wider circles. What if we could think of all of humanity as our tribe, or are we still primitive?

[rangerofnorrath]

Dear BBC Newsnight,
Many wonderful art supplies at the dollar store are showing up near where I live, they are made in China.
😊
I also admit, Oolong tea is my favorite too.
🍵
In Dearborn, at "The Henry Ford" for a while, "Made in China" was showing on the "Giant Screen" movie area . 😰
It was teaching how panda eat, and folks who care for them. 🐼🌱
It was a very beautiful and loving movie. 🎬🎥
Thank you China! 😳
Love from Michigan USA 💖
Peace ✌

[danielclaxon]

Go Hong Kong! You long for freedom and democracy. I hope that one day we will be able to welcome you to the brotherhood of sovereign democratic nations. CHINA, HANDS OFF HONG KONG!

[TheLzxy]

Is no one gonna mention that his name is AI WeeWee

[pc]

Why should the HK govt negotiate with vandals and the mob?

[rickkrockstar]

I HOPE THEY RESPOND IN ENGLISH SO WE CAN UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.🤔💭

[doug]

This is similar to over 75s demonstrate about losing the free TV licence what will the BBC do?

[kuazexin]

Lol Ai Wei Wei how is he considered a credible source, “they are very rational” sure im sure you can really read the room when you’re not even in it