Such a movement may add to the risks of a wider gap between the mainland and Hong Kong in terms of mutual understanding. But on the other hand, the central government will likely give a comprehensive consideration to the reactions from all walks of life in Hong Kong when making decisions regarding the region in the future.

The student protesters seek to implement universal suffrage for the election of chief executive, and the spirit of political participation is worth affirmation. But even in Western countries elections are not always practiced in this way.

There are different models of democracy, and every country and region has to find one that best applies to its reality.

It may be a well-known fact that the movement has been financially backed by some external forces or foundations, but it may be exaggerated to compare the street protests to a color revolution as seen in countries like Egypt and Tunisia. Such a revolution seeks a power shift by nonviolent means, but protesters in the Occupy movement only want to voice their demands with no intentions to topple the government.