The reality is that the mainland is governed by a "Gangster Theocracy", and you have just witnessed it's power at first hand. If anyone thinks it will end here, they really should be out buying unicorns. Beijing has now finally taken the gloves off, and HK will NEVER be the same again. Of that you can be certain. Business in HK will now be under the malignant and unstoppable force of the mainlands heavy hand, and they will take what they want when they want. Effectively they've just taken CX. As to what this means for the younger expat employees...do you really need me to tell you what the future would hold for you here?