This isn't the first set of protests in HK, and they all have a universal thread: Issues with mainland oversight of HK
The extradition bill is just the latest one.
Many protestors have explicitly called for independence. Most are simply demanding things that are not possible with HK as a mainland managed province with the current powers that be in Beijing, and I can't imagine that they don't know this - it's a de facto desire for independence.
If the ROC was magically in charge, then HK probably wouldn't care about being independent.
The extradition bill is just the latest one.
Many protestors have explicitly called for independence. Most are simply demanding things that are not possible with HK as a mainland managed province with the current powers that be in Beijing, and I can't imagine that they don't know this - it's a de facto desire for independence.
If the ROC was magically in charge, then HK probably wouldn't care about being independent.