Hong Kong Protests: Protesters share their side of the story with CGTN

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The demonstrations in Hong Kong have been carrying on for well over two months now and many protesters still keep coming to the streets. But with the fugitive bill recently withdrawn, is there going to be any change in the protests? CGTN reporter Xu Xinchen spoke with one of them about where things might be headed.

Wearing a black mask and a black shirt, 24-year old Robin Chan, who works in Hong Kong's tourism industry eagerly gives me a tour of his city before sharing his thoughts about the ongoing protest.

ROBIN CHAN HONG KONG PROTESTER "We are just asking for a choice at least. The first step to begin with democracy is a choice."

Chan is one of many Hong Kong residents who wear black as a symbol of their protest.

At the very front, a relatively smaller group that turned radical against Hong Kong police — throwing gas bombs and setting fire during protests.

Those who protest peacefully dress similarly so that the group as a whole can help protect each other's identity.

Reporter: But aren't scared that they are actually fighting for something else?

ROBIN CHAN HONG KONG PROTESTER "Actually, I am afraid of that. I am afraid of that. It is too easy for everyone to put on a black shirt and a black mask and to do whatever they like."

Anti-government rallies have been centered around opposing the now abandoned fugitive bill and ALLEGED police brutality, but what is behind protesters' growing anger? Chan said that it is the widening wealth gaps and a stalling economy that are crushing the livelihood of MANY OF Hong Kong's youth.

ROBIN CHAN HONG KONG PROTESTER "We are just a small city from China, the area is too small. But then with too many people, 7.5 million already, housing is not enough."

Especially, public housing.

Hong Kong is often ranked as the world's most difficult city to own a house.

Research suggests people there have to save up for over 20 years with no budget for anything else based on average salaries in the city, which haven't been rising as fast as property prices.

Chan says he spends half of his monthly salary on rent and the other half on food and his daily commute — unable to put anything in savings.

And when many who were promised public housing didn't get any, confidence in the government was lost.

Chan feels these voices are not being heard, and he's suggesting a way of how that might be changed.

ROBIN CHAN HONG KONG PROTESTER "Now maybe you can make an online platform system."

A system that could possibly allow locals to show the SAR government what they want for city development.

Chan believes that WHAT they are asking for will not change the fact that they are Chinese.

ROBIN CHAN HONG KONG PROTESTER "The nationality is flowing in our blood. It is something we cannot change. We are only saying "One Country, Two Systems". Now, we just want our system to be better."

Xu Xinchen, CGTN, Hong Kong.