Issue and Opponent: In 1997, the British transferred control of Hong Kong to China under a “one country, two systems” plan. Under this plan, a 50-year term of Chinese rule was imposed on Hong Kong. In August, Beijing seemingly promised the residents of Hong Kong that they would be granted open elections by 2017. However, China reneged on this agreement. They passed a reform that set stipulations on Hong Kong’s universal suffrage, stating only two or three Chinese committee-vetted candidates who “love [China]” could run. This led to tens of thousands of people gathering on the major thoroughfares of the city.
Dilemma Action: Aside from class boycotts by students and blockades in key parts of the city, the most notable tactic was the use of umbrellas by protestors. The umbrellas held multiple meanings and served multiple purposes. It became a tool of expression as protestors wore black shirts and held up yellow umbrellas. Since protests were considered “illegal,” the umbrellas helped preserve their privacy, as photos of protestors were being taken and sent to the communist party. They also served a dual purpose as a defense against the police when they would use rubber bullets and tear gas. Overall, the umbrellas emphasized the asymmetry of force between the protestors and the police. Sculptures, art installations, and other works were also brought to the protest sites to attract media attention. They created the Umbrella Man, a 3-meter statue crafted of wood blocks holding an outstretched yellow umbrella. They also circulated pictures of the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, holding an umbrella as a satirical show of his support for the movement.
Outcomes: The police started identifying umbrellas as weapons. They responded to protestors with violence and arrests. Chinese e-commerce sites also banned umbrellas from being sold to customers outside of Hong Kong. These ridiculous actions brought a lot of media attention to the movement and reframed the narrative of China on the international stage. The official occupation movement ended on December 15, 2014. The protestors did not achieve free elections or universal suffrage. The chief executive election was won by Carrie Lam, who was chosen by the same committee as in past elections.