Over the years, growing antagonism between the mainland and Hong Kong has greatly polarized the city-state's indigenous political balance and society. Cultural clashes and concerns about mainland China's economic influx straining Hong Kong's already limited space and resources have promoted a strong desire to preserve the city-state's political autonomy, democratic values and resources. Hong Kong's growing struggle to keep its competitive edge , lower its widening wealth gap and stop rising property prices in the face of what is characterized as the mainland's mismanagement has also increased anti-mainland sentiment. 120802 Map - China - Hong Kong The exacerbated tensions between Hong Kong and Beijing culminated in a series of demonstrations July 1, the 17th anniversary of the city-state's return to mainland rule. Approximately 100,000-200,000 people participated in the annual demonstration (opposition parties estimated the number of participants at 500,000).