Dean of the SMU School of Social Sciences and Professor of Political Science James Tang commented on the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, saying that a resolution in the near term seemed unlikely, given that Beijing and the protesters showed no signs of a compromise. He said that at the moment both sides are trying to win the support of the broader population in Hong Kong. While the students have been quite successful so far, it would depend on whether they can sustain both the passion and the general public support. It will also depend on whether, if they cause serious political problems, the government will be willing to make concessions over universal suffrage in Hong Kong.