China hinting at Tiananmen-style crackdown in Hong Kong

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, died in the student protests of 1989, but a similar use of violence in what is one of the world’s key financial centres would backfire horrendously, writes Minxin Pei

The crisis in Hong Kong may be building to a deadly climax. China’s government is using rhetoric reminiscent of that which preceded the Tiananmen Square massacre in June 1989. Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protesters — and its democracy — could be in grave danger.