Away from the violent clashes this week between protesters and police over a controversial extradition bill promoted by Beijing, not a few locals are having mixed feelings about pushing back against mainland China's growing influence.

A large number of Hong Kong citizens, especially young people, remain keen to do battle against the Chinese government led by the Communist Party in a bid to protect freedom, democracy and human rights in the special administrative region.

Yet others who did not participate in Wednesday's protests have gone about their lives as usual, even as tear gas and rubber bullets were fired in major roads near the Legislature Council, leaving around 80 people injured, including nearly two dozen police.

Against the backdrop of the protests, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam on Saturday announced the indefinite suspension of the extradition bill, which could extend Chinese influence and undermine liberties in the territory.

Nevertheless, some people in Hong Kong said they have realized it is no use trying to hold out against mainland China, with the Communist Party attempting to gradually bolster its grip over the territory before 2047, when the 50-year transition agreement expires.

Under the framework of "one country, two systems," Hong Kong was promised it would enjoy the rights and freedom of a semi-autonomous region following the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997. The city has since then developed as an international financial hub.

Against China's intervention, Hong Kong citizens have repeatedly staged demonstrations, such as the 2014 Umbrella Movement in which protesters occupied major thoroughfares to scrap Beijing's plan to preselect candidates for the territory's leadership elections.

"We have a duty to keep protesting," Zoe Lau, a 37-year-old lawyer said. "The freedoms we exhibit and fight for are our raison d'etre. (This is) the reason why international companies flock to Hong Kong. If we lose our ability to protest, it is the death of Hong Kong."

Others, meanwhile, have started to feel a sense of exhaustion in the battle, saying whatever they do, Hong Kong will become a part of the Chinese Communist Party-controlled government.

"I didn't join protests on Wednesday. I worked a whole day and had some drinks at night," Lucie Wang, a 26-year-old worker at a bank said. "What will protests change? What we have to do is to prepare to become Chinese. That's too sad, though."

In Hong Kong, internet freedom has been guaranteed so far unlike mainland China, which has blocked access to many overseas websites including Google, YouTube and Facebook under its so-called Great Firewall.

Fears linger that China would tighten internet regulations in the future if Beijing decides to end the one country, two systems arrangement, threatening Hong Kong's freedom of expression and media.

"Our biggest concern about the future of Hong Kong is definitely the end of the one country, two systems policy," said Miss Chan, a 37-year-old homemaker. "As Hong Kong loses its autonomy, the city's economy and its status as a global city will surely be severely damaged."

"We will no longer have the freedom we now have -- freedom of speech in the physical world and on the internet, freedom of the press, freedom of thought among the young generation," Chan said.

Wang, however, said with a sigh, "I don't care because we can use alternatives like Baidu, WeChat and Weibo," referring to an internet search website and social networking platforms that are widely prevalent in China.

Some are skeptical about whether Hong Kong people are being fair-minded in their criticism of China.

(People watch mass protests over the extradition bill on June 12, 2019.)

"I don't believe the protest movements can help protect Hong Kong's freedom, democracy and human rights. Protest is a way to show and voice people's thoughts and opinions, but it only represents part of the nation," said Andy Li, a 41-year-old IT company director.

"Most of the school teachers nowadays, especially under the current situation, they only speak and defend for one side. They are brainwashing the next generation when the youngsters do not have the ability to judge what is right and what is wrong," Li added.

On Wednesday, many local citizens gathered at a bar in Hong Kong and talked about the day's protests, while watching pictures and video footage of them broadcast on TV.

"We're used to demonstrations, which have become like festivals," a 35-year-old woman said on condition of anonymity.

"I want the Western media to stop reporting everything seems like the end of the world in Hong Kong," she said. "Our life is not in chaos and we stay calm. I hope media will report the reality in Hong Kong."

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