I love HK, and I have friends in HK. What I've heard is very different - most protesting has been peaceful, sometimes turning violent after actions by the police or a few anarchist types on the fringes (and let's be honest, there's a good chance these are often working under instruction of the secure apparatuses). They also vehemently deny any kind of racism against mainlanders - people are against the new security laws and restrictions on personal freedoms, nothing else.

> They also vehemently deny any kind of racism against mainlanders

Do racists happily admit that they are racists though?

By this logic, they are vile racists no matter what?!

It's being critical of a source. You look at their actions and words, not at if they deny to be something bad.

> What westerners do not understand is that the 2019 riots in HK are motivated by hatred toward Chinese mainlanders who have risen in wealth in recent decades and to whom HK residents have historically felt superior.

No it was not. Stop peddling CCP propaganda.