https://proxy.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=h...h-army.jpg&f=1

Now what exactly was this gentleman doing in Belfast?

The Chinese leadership is just wrapping up its annual two week planning session in Beidaihe, where Hong Kong was surely a major topic.
As many of the individuals involved have substantial economic interests in Hong Kong, often via family members, they are personally motivated to find a solution that does not destroy that wealth. Consequently a military crackdown seems counterproductive.
That would suggest the current policy of using the police will remain in effect, with the expectation that the disorganized nature of the protests will ensure they gradually fade, much as the Gilets Jaunes in France have.

Rupert Hogg, CEO of Cathay has now "resigned" after conflict over dealing with staff who took part in the protests. Chinese authorities want lists of names.

Kudos to Hogg for, I assume, declining to kowtow to the Communist Party.