"We can make China fear us with democratic and free ways," said Figo Chan (22, pictured), vice-convenor of the Civil Human Rights Front, a civic group that is leading the Hong Kong demonstrations against China's criminal extradition law, on August 19. This was his evaluation of the previous day's demonstration, which ended in a peaceful march of umbrellas in the rain, without any tear gas and water cannons, despite heightened concerns of China's armed intervention. Chan said he was impressed with the Korean film 1987: When the Day Comes, which portrayed the June 10 pro-democracy movement.

In an interview with the Kyunghyang Shinmun this day, Chan said, "The Chinese Communist Party defined the citizens opposing the extradition law as a mob, but we showed the world with yesterday's demonstration that the citizens of Hong Kong are rational and peaceful." In fact, 1.7 million Hong Kong citizens reversed the atmosphere with a march displaying mature civic engagement. He said, "The more people take part, the stronger and safer it gets," and added, "We will receive our five major demands by the power of the citizens, not with violence."

"The Chinese central government is threatening with armed police, but they cannot stop the people," he stressed. At the same time, he mentioned the “flowing water-like” demonstration method of the previous day. The Hong Kong police denied authorization when the Civil Human Rights Front made a prior report of the demonstration, on grounds of "the possibility of a violent situation." The civic group partly accepted the police decision not to authorize the street march, and after a previously authorized demonstration at Victoria Park, they continued with a peaceful march where the people "flowed like water" to continue the rally.

Chan said, "If China sends the People's Liberation Army, we will not fight back, but wait for them to leave and then gather again." He stressed, "We have enough non-violent methods, so we don't have to worry about a violent clash." He stressed that although the police blocked the march, they could still respond with non-violent ways, such as the "flowing water" demonstration of the previous day. According to the Hong Kong press, the Civil Human Rights Front plans to hold another massive rally in this peaceful manner on August 31.

Chan mentioned how he had watched the film, 1987: When the Day Comes (In Hong Kong, the film was released under the title, Jikkyunggungman (逆權公民), which means "citizens against power") and said, "Many Hong Kong citizens watched it and were moved by the actions of the young people in the process of establishing democracy in South Korea." He further said, "The citizens who came out for the demonstration were aware that they were facing a big danger. But South Korea was also able to obtain a direct presidential election amidst such difficulties, wasn’t it? We will continue to overcome any pressure based on the lessons from history."

Chan said, "Everyone knows that achieving democracy, liberty and justice is always very hard. And it’s not something that can be done overnight. So we will continue to unite."

He also mentioned that he wanted to visit Korea. Chan said, "One day, I hope to discuss democracy, freedom and the rule of law with Korean friends and also discuss our experiences in fighting for democracy."

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