In online forums and on social media, images of military rolled into Hong Kong were disseminated, and many expressed concern over possible military intervention against the demonstrations. Later in the morning, Xinhua News Agency reported that it was an annual rotation of the troops.

- Hong Kong residents who see mainland military on the street may perceive this as a warning, says SVT's Lars Moberg.

Unknown number

The number of military personnel that China has stationed in Hong Kong is unknown. The last two rotations - 2017 and 2018 - reported that the number remained unchanged from previous years. But that information was not available this time, according to The Guardian. Between 8,000 and 10,000 troops are estimated to be stationed in Hong Kong.

- That the Chinese military would cut the protests by force is a very risky project. China's leadership does not know what would happen if you enter Hong Kong, what resistance you would face. And the bloodshed on Hong Kong's streets would probably be followed by a massive wave of international protests, says Lars Moberg.

On Saturday, another big demonstration is planned against the Hong Kong government, which the police have banned. This is not the first time the police have banned demonstrations, and so far it has not stopped the protesters from carrying them out.

An economic hub

According to Lars Moberg, Hong Kong is very important to China as an economic hub, and Beijing already has several major investments there.

- It is about whether the protesters can continue to paralyze important functions in Hong Kong. They have already shown that they can stop subways, and tourists are reluctant to travel to Hong Kong. It affects the financial conditions, he says, and continues:

- President Xi Jinping has many other things to think about right now, such as the trade war with the US and the criticism the country receives for the treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang. One might wonder if the Chinese leadership is prepared to attract further international criticism.