The thing is, the Hong Kong government didn't give a shit to peaceful protests. After 1 million people protested peacefully on 9th June 2019, the official response from the government was "The Second Reading debate on the Bill will resume on June 12.". All these people were ignored. It made people realise they need something else to make the government respond.
People only vandalised at first. Some actions by protesters were over the top to outsiders, but they came after many peaceful protests and after police and triads colluded to attack protesters[2] (the producer of this documentary was arrested and charged). Protesters had to protect themselves at least at first.
In short, China tolerated peaceful protests in Hong Kong for a reason - they did no damage, and the government could safely ignore them and pretend Hong Kong still had autonomy. Once they had impact, authorities were quick to silence the people by any means.
People only vandalised at first. Some actions by protesters were over the top to outsiders, but they came after many peaceful protests and after police and triads colluded to attack protesters[2] (the producer of this documentary was arrested and charged). Protesters had to protect themselves at least at first.
In short, China tolerated peaceful protests in Hong Kong for a reason - they did no damage, and the government could safely ignore them and pretend Hong Kong still had autonomy. Once they had impact, authorities were quick to silence the people by any means.
[1] - https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201906/09/P2019060900587...
[2] - https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/hkce/episode/706428?l...