Hong Kong protests sign of desperation , writes ex - US ambassador to China Jon Smith . Chinese President Xi Jinping can not afford to show any weakness , he says . Since 1997 , when Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule , many of China 's efforts at exerting political influence have been subtle , and , with a few exceptions such as implicitly limiting the press , Hong Kong has more or less been allowed to continue its open economy , legal system and freedom of assembly . U.S. must figure out how to impose sanctions on Beijing for unacceptable behavior , he says .
Hong Kong protests sign of desperation , writes ex - US ambassador to China Jon Smith . Chinese President Xi Jinping can not afford to show any weakness , he says . U.S. must figure out how to impose sanctions on Beijing for unacceptable behavior , he says .