The Odyssey - Democracy in Hong Kong

[Randy W]

12 hours ago, Barfus said:

RIP to the Hong Kong the entire world knew and loved. It was an absolutely wonderful place - a high degree of liberty and freedom, safe, cultured/educated - almost like the best of the Eastern and Western worlds in one place. It's now nearly unrecognizable from its glory days. I really feel for those in their 20s and 30s who are caught in this 'shift' at the worst possible time in their lives. 

2047 arrived a lot sooner than anyone expected. Hong Kong now is definitely "part of China", and NOT autonomous FROM China.

Unfortunately, Britain wrote no safe-guards into either the Sino-British Joint Declaration, or the Basic Law.

Great Britain pretty well sold Hong Kong down the river without ever having established a legacy of liberties and privileges that they have since been demanding that China's Communist Party provide.

Edited June 25, 2021 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Martin B]

17 hours ago, Randy W said:

2047 arrived a lot sooner than anyone expected. Hong Kong now is definitely "part of China", and NOT autonomous FROM China.

Unfortunately, Britain wrote no safe-guards into either the Sino-British Joint Declaration, or the Basic Law.

Great Britain pretty well sold Hong Kong down the river without ever having established a legacy of liberties and privileges that they have since been demanding that China's Communist Party provide.

Yes... prior to 2012, even 2017/2018ish, I always assumed the mainland would just let HK "do their thing" in perpetuity and leave them alone as long as they weren't causing too much trouble. Given the economic rise of Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and a dozen other T2 cities like Wuhan, Chengdu, etc... the economic relevance of HK was already waning. But now the writing is on the wall. HK will be lucky to make it to 2027 let alone 2047.

Heartbreaking to see. Makes me wonder what's in store for Taiwan down the road.

[Randy W]

Hong Kong’s Apple Daily newspaper releases last edition after crackdown

People are rushing to get the last copies of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily as it rolls out its final edition on Thursday. Read more: https://aje.io/w6qca5

https://fb.watch/v/OMibrMYH/
Apple Daily

[Randy W]

The Global Times calls that an insignificant "Small-scale lamentation".

Former senior journalist with the Apple Daily newspaper, Fung Wai-kong was arrested by Hong Kong national security police Sunday night on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces, China Central Television reported. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202106/1227051.shtml

from the Global Times on Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/115591005188475/posts/4231024640311737/

Apple Daily closure ends West's political fantasies
Small-scale lamentation over HK secessionist tabloid insignificant compared to city’s overwhelmingly positive change

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With the national security law and the electoral reform for Hong Kong, officials and scholars in the mainland and in Hong Kong see fundamental positive changes to the city’s political environment over the past year. Despite that foreign politicians like UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab continued to slam China by calling the shutdown of Apple Daily a “forced closure,” claiming it delivered a heavy blow to “freedom of speech,” more local residents realized that the secessionist outlet having gone far beyond being a press agency.

The closure would also help end the West’s political fantasies by using relevant anti-government radicals to exploit Hong Kong, which tried to cause a “color revolution” against China and subvert state power, experts said. 

From Thursday on, the closure of Apple Daily will save Hong Kong at least 300 million pieces of wasted paper annually, as one copy used to be printed with 10 pages of paper every day, Leung Chun-ying, former chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said in a public post on Thursday.

 

 

[Randy W]

Hong Kong's July 1 celebration
https://fb.watch/6ua9oc4Nd5/

A subdued July 1 in HK

July 1, the anniversary of the city’s handover, is usually a day of protest in Hong Kong. Not this year.

Read more: sc.mp/89at

[Randy W]

Hong Kong activists still testing ‘red lines’

On June 30, 2020, mainland Chinese authorities imposed a national security law on Hong Kong banning secession, subversion of state power, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

Facing possible arrest, some opposition groups such as Local Youth Will and Student Politicism are adapting their methods. They say they are trying to find ways to voice their opinions without crossing “red lines” that could land them in legal trouble. 

from the SCMP on Facebook
https://fb.watch/6wd3SWPQzQ/

[Randy W]

HK chief: Residents' human rights unaffected by national security law

The national security law for Hong Kong only targets an "extremely small minority of criminals" that endanger national security. At the same time, the human rights and freedom enjoyed by the overwhelming majority of the residents will not be affected at all, said Carrie Lam, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), on Monday.

Lam made the remarks at a legal forum on the national security law – officially known as the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR.

The forum, hosted by the Department of Justice of the HKSAR government, was held a few days after the first anniversary of the law's implementation. 

Lam stressed that enacting the law was aimed at ensuring the full and faithful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, safeguarding national security and maintaining prosperity and stability in the city.

Terming the implementation of the law a "major turning point" in Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order, she said stability has been restored in society, and riots have disappeared after the law came into force.

"People's life and property are protected and they can once again enjoy their legitimate rights and freedoms," Lam said.

She criticized some foreign politicians and media outlets that continue to "query and even smear" the law with allegations that it would undermine human rights and suppress the freedom of speech.

"What happened in the past year and various data show that these accusations could hardly stand up to challenge," she said. "They, on the contrary, only underscore the hypocrisy, bias and double standards of the critics."

Taking press freedom as an example, Lam noted that there was an increase in the numbers of local, overseas and online media organizations registering in the HKSAR government's news and media information system over the past year.

"The media and the general public exercise their right to monitor the government's work and the freedom of criticizing policies every day, while overseas media disseminate information about the national security law continuously, interviewing people with various stances without any interference," she said.

Meanwhile, she stressed that the rule of law and judicial independence in Hong Kong are "as robust as ever" and that the city's status as an international financial center has not wavered at all after the implementation of the law.

The law was passed on June 30 last year at a session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature. It defines four categories of offenses – secession, subversion, terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country or external elements to endanger national security – and their corresponding penalties.

"As of June 30 this year, 117 criminal suspects were arrested, of which 64 were prosecuted, and the first case involving the national security law is in the court for trial," Lam said.(CGTN)

from People's daily Hong Kong on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/101554111600106/posts/352688069820041/

[Randy W]

Exodus of Hong Kong district councillors continues over oath-taking ‘threat’ to claw back wages
New survey reveals more than 43 per cent of people asked believe councillors should swear an oath of allegiance to the SAR.

from the Hong Kong Free Press 
 

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The number of pro-democracy district councillors who have announced they will quit over an ongoing oath-taking row has reached more than 130 following local media reports suggesting that they may be asked to repay all wages and subsidies if they are disqualified for breaching it.

 . . . 

Local media reports on Wednesday cited sources saying that about 250 district councillors are facing disqualification. They may be forced to repay salaries and allowances received from government since taking office in early 2020, which could add up to over a million dollars per person, leading to bankruptcy.
Among those who resigned are Kam Nai-wai from the Central and Western district, Kwong Po-yin of Kowloon City, Shum Shui Po district council chair Yeung Yuk and Yau Tsim Mong district council vice chair Andy Yu.

 . . .

Grounds for disqualification will reportedly include having taken part in an unofficial primary election for the democratic camp last July, having signed an online petition last year calling for Hong Kong to lose its special trade status, and displaying the protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of our Times” in offices.

 . . .

However, some councillors vowed to remain in office regardless of circumstances, including Pakkin Leung of Wan Chai district and Tommy Cheung of Yuen Long.

 

 

[Randy W]

#PeoplesDailyComments: Hong Kong embraces pride, confidence, ends disorder, chaos
A prospering China and a legally secured #HongKong are what Hong Kong citizens aspire to, as well as a reality in today's world. However, such a reality is making the foreign supporters of the anti-China forces all hot and bothered.
On July 7 local time, the White House unexpectedly announced the so-called "continuation of the national emergency with respect to Hong Kong" and the extension of relevant Hong Kong-related sanctions, claiming that the recent actions taken by China with respect to Hong Kong pose a threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the U.S.
How ridiculous it is!
The situation in Hong Kong and the national emergency of the U.S. are totally irrelevant. However, the two were unreasonably connected by an executive order imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump last July, which exposed the arrogance of the so-called "world police" and made the U.S. a laughing stock. Today, the farce of the so-called "continuation of the national emergency" went on with the decision of the current U.S. administration, as a warmed-over tactic to tarnish China.
It must be pointed out that such stubborn intervention in Hong Kong affairs and China's domestic affairs by the U.S., which stays impenitent, has always been firmly opposed by the 1.4 billion Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots.
The aspiration of the people shall never be violated, and the determination of the Chinese government and Chinese people to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests shall never be underestimated. The Hong Kong society has a firm resolution to safeguard the rule of law and protect the prosperity and stability of the special administrative region.
Today, Hong Kong is shining with national self-esteem and confidence.
The Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, have just celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, both of which fell on July 1. During a flag-raising ceremony held on Hong Kong's Golden Bauhinia Square, the honor guard of Hong Kong's Disciplined Services for the first time performed Chinese-style foot drills, and completed actions according to the commands called out in Putonghua, or Mandarin Chinese. It reflected the common aspiration of the Hong Kong citizens and attracted global attention.
Another activity held recently in Hong Kong to showcase China's scientific achievements in the past 100 years was also impressive. During the activity, a batch of top Chinese aerospace scientists visited Hong Kong schools, and lunar soil brought back by China's moon mission and other aerospace exhibits were displayed for the public. It sparked an aerospace mania and patriotism of the Hong Kong citizens, who expressed their ambition to realize personal ideals while pursuing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, which showcased their national pride, love for the country, and aspiration to serve the country.
However, what forms a sharp contrast against the thriving atmosphere in Hong Kong is the daydream of some people in a few Western countries to disrupt the special administrative region. They are lingering on the chaos happening in Hong Kong in 2019, and even recently posted combo photos of rioters holding foreign national flags to encourage violence two years ago. Picking up from the ash heap of history the so-called acts and executive orders related to Hong Kong they once fabricated, which run counter to the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, they just wish to make some noise again. In a word, they are pleased to see a chaotic Hong Kong, and are upset when the special administrative region is under good governance.
The wheels of history always advance. Hong Kong citizens know exactly what the "black terror" meant to economy, society and livelihood, and have long been detesting violence. They cherish the social stability gained since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong, sincerely welcome the decisive law enforcement by the Hong Kong police to safeguard people's lives and properties, and firmly stand on the opposite side of those who fan up violence and hatred. With powerful support of the Hong Kong citizens, the government of the special administrative region has constantly learned from its experiences and earnestly enforced the law, winning the support of the people.
The implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong indicates that the slanders made by some foreign political dignitaries and media organizations are totally groundless. Compared with foreign legislations, the national security law in Hong Kong holds higher standards on respecting and safeguarding human rights. It clearly lists the rights and freedoms enjoyed by the Hong Kong citizens, as well as important legal principles, fully demonstrating the purpose of the law to punish a very small number of criminals and protect the vast majority.
It is because of the national security law in Hong Kong that the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong citizens are protected, and the business environment in the administrative region guaranteed. A big data report by a non-government think tank showed that 87 percent of foreign public opinions are in support of or neutral toward Hong Kong over the past year since the law was enacted. Negative voices against Hong Kong decreased sharply, and Hong Kong has also been showing increasing attraction for foreign investment, the report said.
Citigroup Inc. recently announced to hire 1,500 people in Hong Kong this year, including additional headcount and replacements. The figure is twice as much as that a year ago. Goldman Sachs also said it would recruit 20 percent more employees this year.
According to data released by the Hong Kong government, the net inflow of foreign capital has been increasing since mid-2020, reaching $50 billion over the past year.
Facts always speak louder than words. Those who run counter against justice with prejudices and double standard, in whatever forms and how long they might last, will finally go to a dismal end.
Facts have already proved and will keep proving that the national security law in Hong Kong is a "safety valve" for the long-term stability of the "one country, two systems" principle, a high-standard "model" for international practices, a "sword" cutting external interference, and a "guardian" protecting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
With the profound influence of the national security law in Hong Kong, the "Pearl of the Orient" will surely embrace a brighter tomorrow. (By Zhong Sheng)

from the People's Daily - Hong Kong on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/PDChinaHK/posts/357120629376785

Edited July 13, 2021 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

more #PeoplesDailyComments:

"Doomsday" to come

Beijing denounces Washington meddling in HK affairs

Central government and Hong Kong officials have joined hands to condemn the United States for imposing "meaningless sanctions" on seven deputy heads of the liaison office and for warning US businesses about operating in the city.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said the sanctions served no purpose other than to arouse the office's contempt for US politicians, and fuel its will to fight for China's national interests.

The US government issued a so-called "business advisory" for the city on Friday, warning US firms of the "risks" of doing business in Hong Kong after the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong last year. It imposed sanctions on seven deputy directors of the liaison office, claiming they had "systematically undermined" Hong Kong's democracy.

The seven officials are Chen Dong, He Jing, Lu Xinning, Qiu Hong, Tan Tieniu, Yang Jianping and Yin Zonghua. Earlier, the office's director Luo Huining and 24 other Chinese mainland and Hong Kong officials were also put on the sanctions list for similar reasons.

Shrugging off the latest threat, the office said it will continue to perform its duty in safeguarding national security and promoting the successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

A spokesperson for the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said on Saturday the US tactic was "despicable". It demonstrates Washington's hypocrisy and shows the US is a "paper tiger" that is "at its wit's end" for making such a move, the spokesperson said.

The US moves will only expedite a doomsday for their "proxy in the city", the spokesperson added.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Saturday said the recent US moves ignored the business community's wishes and were an attempt to cast a pall over Hong Kong's prospects and intimidate foreign investors. The strategy has again exposed the US' sinister intentions to destabilize the HKSAR and thwart China's development, the spokesperson added.

Safeguard sovereignty

In recent years, China has been resolutely fighting US sanctions with strong countermeasures. If Washington refuses to stop, China will "fight to the end", the spokesperson said.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said in a Saturday statement that she is "alarmed" by the "sweeping and totally unsubstantiated" remarks by the US.

Lam said the National Security Law for Hong Kong respects and protects human rights and individual freedoms. She added the great majority of Hong Kong people are patriotic and fully embrace the principle of "one country, two systems".After the security law's implementation, Hong Kong remains an open and free economy, underpinned by the rule of law and a robust regulatory regime.

At a recent session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, over 90 countries expressed their support for China's efforts to restore stability in the HKSAR, she said.

Lam urged US authorities to view Hong Kong matters in an "honest and fair manner", instead of "intimidating" US businesses and individuals with the "business advisory".

The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong said on Friday that Hong Kong remains a critical and vibrant facilitator of trade and financial flows between the East and West.

The business organization has operated in Hong Kong for over 50 years and has 1,400 members.

Hong Kong's largest political party－the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong－said the liaison office officials are dedicated to serving the Hong Kong community in accordance with the laws of the city and have won wide support from people.

The sanctions will not shake their determination to serve the city and the nation, but will only motivate the Hong Kong public to oppose US bullying more firmly.(China Daily)

from the People's Daily  - Hong Kong on Facebook 
https://www.facebook.com/101554111600106/posts/361640078924840/

[Randy W]

A MESSAGE FROM THE LAST GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, LORD PATTEN OF BARNES ON 1 JULY

Hong Kong Watch on YouTube

1 July marks three anniversaries: the 24th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong, the first anniversary of the imposition of the draconian National Security Law on Hong Kong and the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party. In this video message recorded specially for 1 July, the last Governor of Hong Kong Lord Patten of Barnes, a Patron of Hong Kong Watch, reflects on the behaviour of the Chinese Communist Party and its dismantling of Hong Kong’s freedoms and autonomy.

 

[Randy W]

Hong Kong’s national-security police arrested five people for allegedly conspiring to commit sedition through a series of picture books that portray sheep being targeted by wolves—an allusion to China’s crackdown on pro-democracy supporters in the city.

from the WSJ on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/WSJ/posts/10161250823713128

Hong Kong Police Arrest Five Over Children’s Books Depicting Protesters as Sheep
National-security police accuse union members of plotting to poison young minds as clampdown on dissent intensifies

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Described as teaching aids, the books were distributed through pro-democracy businesses, local political offices and online by the speech therapists’ union, which was founded in November 2019—a time when some activists formed workers’ groups as a way to organize protest actions against the government.

The books include one titled “The Guardians of Sheep Village,” which is set against the backdrop of antigovernment protests that rocked Hong Kong in 2019. It depicts a malicious plot by the wolves to take over the sheep’s village and devour them all.

Another, “12 Warriors of Sheep Village,” refers to a dozen activists who were caught by the Chinese coast guard during an ill-fated boat escape from Hong Kong last year. The third book in the series, titled “Street Cleaners of Sheep Village,” alludes to a medical workers’ strike last year when Hong Kong faced its first coronavirus infections imported from China, using cartoons of littering wolves to portray outsiders.

The five people arrested—two men and three women, aged between 25 and 28 years old—are board members of the General Union of Hong Kong Speech Therapists. They were detained under a colonial-era antisedition law rather than the security law imposed by China.

 

 

[Randy W]

No surprises here - the three expats interviewed have financial and family ties to Hong Kong that would work as well in any city in China.

Hong Kong Expats explain why they’re staying put

The national security law in Hong Kong has some expats wondering whether it's time to leave, but not everyone is ready to say goodbye to the city they call home.

from the SCMP on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/scmp/videos/508599320401053/

Edited August 1, 2021 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

The lesson from the education chief is clear – China’s state media runs Hong Kong
The government decision to cut ties with a teachers' union following pressure from Beijing's official media is a "shameless act of self-neutering," writes Chris Yeung.

from the HKFP

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In a shameless act of self-neutering, the Hong Kong government has announced it has cut ties with the Professional Teachers’ Union (PTU), the city’s largest teachers’ body, hours after China’s official media blasted the union.

The Education Bureau said it would no longer work with the PTU, claiming its deeds and words in recent years had not been in line with the education profession. A spokesman claimed the union was “no different from a political group.”

 . . .

The bureau said it would no longer hold meetings with the union and its representatives, nor consult it on education issues. Concerns and cases forwarded by the group will not be dealt with, its teacher training courses will not be recognised, and PTU representatives may lose their seats on different government consultation groups.

The bureau took the swift and highly unusual action hours after state media stepped up its attack on the union, which was described as a “tumour that must be rooted out.”

It was the strongest call from China’s official bodies for action against the union, following months of smears and accusations by Hong Kong’s two pro-Beijing newspapers, Wen Wei Po and Ta Kung Pao.

 

 

[Randy W]

An emigrant wave perhaps, but they always come back
Previous waves were in response to the horrors of the Cultural Revolution, the Tiananmen killings and the 1997 handover, compared to which current concerns seem relatively benign

Alex Lo, SCMP Opinion

Alex Lo is a decidedly pro-Beijing journalist.

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In the mid-1960s, around the time I was born in Hong Kong, a patriotic aunt answered the call of duty and returned to the mainland to volunteer as a teacher.

Before the year was out, she was denounced as an “intellectual”. We never found out what really happened to her, other than that she supposedly committed suicide in jail after being “struggled” against.

My mother, she later told us, was so shaken and terrified that she vowed to emigrate as soon as we could afford to. We did so more than 10 years later, to Canada. We ended up joining a first wave of emigration.

Then between Tiananmen in June 1989 and the 1997 handover, many Hong Kong people again moved away because the communists were coming. After each wave, though, people came back. I did, and found work as a local reporter in the 1990s.

Today, we may be having another emigration wave. As Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said: “Every now and then in the history of Hong Kong, there are such emigration trends. But if you really ask me … I would tell them Hong Kong has a prosperous future.”

Is she being irresponsibly nonchalant amounting to a dereliction of duty? Who knows? Maybe she is. It’s not my job to defend her. However, she is probably right, if history is any guide.