Ever since Hong Kong was handed back to China in 1997 by British colonisers, an unresolved question has hung like smog over the city. Would it eventually be able to elect its representatives?

Hong Kong’s “mini-constitution” states the ultimate aim is for the city to choose its leadership by universal suffrage, not a bad concession given its decidedly undemocratic history under British rule. Beijing subsequently agreed in principle to the idea that Hong Kong’s mayor, known as the chief executive, could be popularly elected in 2017, and its Legislative Council in 2020. Yet what Beijing means by “universal suffrage” and what democracy advocates in Hong Kong mean by it are – surprise, surprise – not the same thing. The gap in interpretation threatens to put Beijing and Hong Kong on a dangerous collision course.

Beijing has made its bottom line clear. As stated in the Basic Law agreed with Britain, China expects candidates for election to be put forward by a nominating committee. Democrats say that is simply a ruse to screen out “undesirable” candidates. Indeed, Beijing insists all nominees must “love China”, a stipulation that under the country’s current political set-up may equate to loving the Communist party.