Compared to the Occupy Central movement being organized by Hong Kong's pan-democrats and their supporters, the students' occupation of the Legislative Yuan was swift and sharp - carried out without any warning.
They barricaded themselves inside the building, repelling police attempts to flush them out, while logistics kept pouring in. What appeared improvised at first was indeed well organized.
In the SAR, the pan-democrats and friends have been trying to organize Occupy Central for a year, and it is still in a state of confusion. Worse yet, they remain as divided as ever.
As the showdown on political reforms looms, it's questionable whether they can overcome internal splits to forge a common front to be taken seriously.
The Taiwanese students' actions make a mockery of the lack of organization in the Occupy Central movement, as well the democratic system that has developed in Taiwan since the mid-1980s.
The students are trying to prevent the Legislative Yuan from passing a follow-up agreement to the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, saying it would undermine local businesses and cost Taiwanese people their jobs.
In essence, ECFA is similar to the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between Hong Kong and the mainland.
But opposition to ECFA is probably a political smokescreen. Underneath are the localist sentiments against mainland influence.
Taiwanese police have tried but failed to evict the protesting students holding out in the main chamber. Unfortunately, some were injured during the confrontation. I wonder if Hong Kong police will be able to avoid injuries as they clear protesters occupying the Central district in view of the Taiwan experience.
It's a probable situation of serious concern.
Taiwan's political system is far more democratic than that of Hong Kong, as the Kuomintang and pro- independence Democratic Progressive Party have taken turns forming the government over the past couple of decades.
In theory, partisan disagreements shouldn't have escalated to the current state of tension, had the island's system been able to function properly.
Democracy is a form that has to be supported by a common will to respect the values embodied in it. Otherwise, societies will continue to be polarized, with self interests coming before the public good.
In Taiwan's case, opponents are taking laws into their own hands instead of respecting the spirit of majority rule.
Occupy Central supporters may argue that what's happening in Taipei provides a lesson where localist feelings should be allowed to dominate.
But to the contrary, it should be taken as a warning that Occupy Central - no matter how peaceful it's intended to be - could always turn out badly.
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