Final answer:
Hong Kong citizens have used pro-democracy protests to protect their democratic rights and freedoms from the Chinese government's encroachment. Events like the Umbrella Movement and the aftermath of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests serve as potent reminders of their ongoing struggle for democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hong Kong citizens have historically engaged in pro-democracy protests to resist what they see as the encroachment of Beijing on their rights and freedoms. The notable Umbrella Movement in 2014 exemplified this, with protesters using umbrellas as tools of resistance and symbols of their struggle to protect their democracy and autonomy from mainland China's influence.
Despite facing a series of legal rights erosions, including the imposition of the harsh national security law in June 2020, which led to the arrest of over 10,000 pro-democracy protesters, the people of Hong Kong have continued to protest to safeguard their independence and democratic rights.
Furthermore, these events resonate with the legacy of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, where students and citizens sought democratic reforms, facing severe repercussions. Both these historic and recent events highlight the importance of remaining vigilant in the fight for democratic principles, as seen not only in Hong Kong but in protests worldwide.