Beijing (CNN) -- Despite attempts by the authorities to censor coverage, millions of people across mainland China have watched warily over the past few days as thousands of Hong Kongers have occupied the heart of their city calling for greater democracy. For many the verve and passion of this student-led revolt has been captivating to witness. But others are less impressed. "I think the 'Occupy Central' movement is the Hong Kong version of so-called street politics and color revolutions we've seen in other countries," Chen Zuo'er, who helped facilitate the handover of Hong Kong to China from Britain, told CNN Wednesday, as China marked National Day -- the foundation of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
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Protests "a very dangerous, obviously illegal movement," says Chen Zuo'er
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Chen helped negotiate with the British side over the 1997 handover of power to China
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Occupy Central has attacked pillars of economic prosperity and social stability, he says
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Chen: "One country, two systems" is a fundamental national policy
Some analysts claim the protests have been the most significant since the former colony's handover from @placeholder to China in 1997.
Meantime, Chen sees no room for @placeholder to back down from its stated position.