I will never get to go to Hong Kong

Noah Smith reflects on his experience in Hong Kong during the height of the protests, expressing how the city's unique culture was being altered by pressure from the Chinese government. He witnessed the patriotism and struggle for self-determination among the protesters, especially the younger generation who no longer identify strongly with China. Despite the protests being largely crushed by a new security law, the underlying issues of economic inequality and loss of opportunities fueled the unrest. Smith describes the end of the freewheeling Hong Kong he once knew, now overshadowed by Chinese influence and economic dominance. He recounts a night of escalating confrontations between protesters and police, highlighting the violence and chaos that unfolded on the streets. Ultimately, he emphasizes the fading essence of Hong Kong as a distinct civilization being engulfed by a powerful empire, leaving a sense of loss for a place that will never be the same again.