I remember the Chinese communists promised that they would be “One Country / Two Systems”, and allow Hong Kong to continue their capitalist freedoms for 50 years after the 1997 takeover of Hong Kong by China.
Would they kill the Golden Goose?
I figured China over time wanted to shift the Financial center to Shanghai and make Hong Kong expendable. I don’t know how far along they are though.
I believe what you see in HK right now, is a difference of opinion.
I believe the people of Hong Kong believed, they had freedom guaranteed for 50 years.
I believe the government in China believes they have 50 years, to take over Hong Kong.
Those are insignificant differences (at first), but will become more important as time progresses.
I suspect that China will blink. Too many of them need a release valve for their ill-gotten loot.