All this tension only adds to the tension around here in HK. I wouldn't call Hong Kong a "tinderbox", but there are some simmering tensions here between Mainlanders, mainland sympathizers, and the pro-democracy movements.
Protesters hope to have more than 300,000 people in Central this Sunday protesting against the changes in Hong Kong extradition laws. The new law allows China to extradite people (including foreigners) from Hong Kong for trial in China. Long time Hong Kong residents see that as a violation of the "One Country, Two Systems" agreement and are taking to the streets over the issue. The pro-democracy camp is really trying to rally the troops for a major push back. They are spoiling for fight. Last time we issues with some protests at HKU (the Democracy Wall issue) in 2017 there were some folks who were in/around TST screaming at westerners to "Speak Chinese" and verbally assaulting westerners. It was a small group--didn't get much press--but rumors were they were gangs funded by the Mainland as part of the anti-democracy crowd. I took note of it as a harbinger of what could happen if China decides to start trying to get the locals to pick sides...China or Western values and principles.
The question is will the protest happen and then peter out, or will it escalate and turn into another set of rolling protests like "Occupy Central" was in 2014. If that happens its going to get worse before it gets better.
When pro-China forces counter demonstrate, they will target not only the other protesters, but IMHO anyone or anybody they see as promoting an agenda "disrespectful" of China's sovereignty. My advice is stay off the streets the Sunday in Central, and if you are in TST keep your head on a swivel. The ferry port gets jammed at times with people and can be a hotbed for problems.
And...if you are in China...you have to realize the state press is not only bad-mouthing the US as "insulting" to China, but personalizing the whole Huawei issue as a matter of "disrespect". They are now publicly bad mouthing our company. I don't want to be stuck on a subway or street with someone who had has a bad week, and decides to "lash out" at a convenient gweilo target. Imagine how you felt in the days after 9/11 about Arabs living in our country. Most were peaceful, but if you had a bit of resentment it could only be considered somewhat natural. China's press is running stories 24/7 about Hauwei, American is trying to hurt China, and a host of other similar stories. There may be some pretty ****ed off people out walking the same streets where a few months ago we enjoyed shopping and eating...
Then again...maybe this will be over soon. But as a guy who lives here now I'll tell you "its different" than it felt six months ago...