The recent uproar in Hong Kong that has spanned over two weeks now, affirmed a rising distrust among the population in the government’s ruling. The demonstration began as an outcry against the proposed extradition law that would necessitate that Hong Kong criminals are extradited to mainland China for trial.
The people of Hong Kong view this move as a direct attempt by mainland China to clamp down on pro-democracy voices. It has inflamed an off-shoot of the ‘umbrella movement’ igniting democratic rage in the city. The protestors’ wave is demanding for the law to be abandoned, and that the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam resign.
Hong Kong, a Special Autonomous Region of China, granted in 1997 from the then British colony, has displayed an increasing disdain over China’s authoritative influence in the region. Deng Xiaoping, former Chinese leader, under the one country two systems framework, acknowledged both states’ existence with different systems. While Hong Kong is allowed to keep its own government, economic model and civil law, China will have control over its defence and foreign affairs. The two regions will follow their own path until 2047 when the agreement expires.
However, the region’s existence under this policy has got many grappling with fear. Hong Kongers believe that the two regions are completely different and incompatible in their social values. Though they are often mistaken to be Chinese, Hong Kongers identify themselves to be unlike. The former British colony has established a more westernised manner of living, quite different from the system administered by China. According to Reuters, the people of Hong Kong have considered leaving the country if they lose their freedom to China.
Amid escalation of protests in the city, the Hong Kong government has continued to condemn these activities.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam, has promised to ease the tensions, however, she has no plans to resign as demanded by the dissidents. She justified the proposed extradition law to extradite a criminal in Taiwan.
Taiwan, on the other hand, straight away denied adopting any such law. China though, has pushed Taipei to adopt the one policy, two systems framework.
The Chinese government has also criticised the increasing vandalism in its Special Autonomous Region. China’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong said in a statement, “We express outrage about this and strongly condemn it.”
They notified Hong Kong, that it’s best for its stability and economic gains to integrate with the mainland. Under increasing pressure, Hong Kong is about to embrace a tight grip from the mainland, as mentioned by the Chinese officials, they won’t tolerate any challenge to the authorities.
The city has received international backing; the UK has condemned undemocratic rulings in Hong Kong, directing at China’s over dominance in the region. President Trump also tweeted about the difficult situation of Hong Kong, calling it an undemocratic rule.
For the people of Hong Kong, China’s growing dominance in the region will only exacerbate the situation for them. They have demonstrated increased resistance to China’s influence and undemocratic legislative laws in the city. More such demonstrations are likely if human rights in the city are sacked at this rate. Their demand for universal suffrage is still pending. The semi-autonomous region despite harsh police measures is readily challenging the one country, two systems framework.