Hong Kong Protests

What’s the deal with the massive protests in Hong Kong? Something like 2 million people have taken to the street to protest a law from the Chief Executive, Carrie Lam. The law makes it possible for Hong Kong residents to be extradited to the mainland for trial. That may not seem like a big deal, but it’s the difference democracy and dictatorship. Would you rather have your democratic court try you or be sent to a country with no tradition of fairness or rule of law? Most of us would be in the streets I think.

 Here is a very short history of Hong Kong: China is responsible for Hong Kong because ‘governorship’ of the territory passed to Beijing in 1997 by the British. They had managed it since the middle 1800’s, during the Opium Wars.

 Before the 1980’s the China was a big, poor country. They had a lot of people and a lot of space but a weak central government. After realizing that they could sell opium to the Chinese, British merchants began bringing it in. The Chinese resenting having a foreign power on so close to home, especially one selling opium. They attacked and lost in the first Opium War 1841.They had no choice but to make a deal over Hong Kong, and later Kowloon. Chinese leaders, in 1896 ceded control over the southern territories for 99 years.

 Once the lease was up in 1997, the Brits had to give back control of the territory to the mainland. Originally they tried for a co-governmental option under Margret Thatcher but the president at the time Deng Xiaoping, convinced them Hong Kong could be occupied overnight if he wanted. In other words “Don’t make us take it”. This was in the 80’s before the lease was up and the British were laying out legal ways for Hong Kong to remain a vibrant, capitalist city. Xiaoping wanted an economic zone with its own governing body and separate rules. It’s basically what they have today, two regions with different governments. Hong Kong has its own currency and government but remains under the umbrella of the big brother to the north.

Really I don’t think the agreement matters that much. Once Great Britain pulled their offices and administrations, Hong Kong was always going to be subjected to the whims of Beijing. China could say whatever it wanted, ignore any agreement and impose any rules or rulers loyal to Beijing. No one could stop once the Brits left. Not that Beijing was ever going to send in the troops and lock down the city but time was on the side of China after 1997.

They’ve played the long game pretty well. There have been a few high profile protests in the last 5 years. Once in 2014 over the selection of the city’s Chief Executive position who Beijing insisted be approved by a committee of pro China officials. This is like telling your girlfriend “We can eat anywhere you want as long it’s at Chili’s or Olive Garden”. It isn’t really a choice when someone else selects the choices for you.

The current protest feels like an extension of the 2014 ones. Carrie Lam the Chief Executive tried to get a motion passed that makes it possible for China to charge citizens of Hong Kong in mainland courts. This is a recipe for political and religious persecution. Any high profile person could be rounded up sent to Chinese courts which don’t have nearly any protection for the innocent. If you anger the leadership you get arrested. If you preach against oppression of the Communists, you can be arrested. Christians that have run afoul of Chinese laws by starting churches can be arrested. Artists that criticize the state can be tried in Chinese courts.

China doesn’t want the South to become a safe haven for those with grievances against the Communist government.

 Hongkongers rightfully objected so Lam ‘suspended’ the law after the uprising and outrage. She needs to remove it completely and move on. The protests are mostly peaceful and as long as Lam gets in line this should be over soon. There is always the chance that China gets embarrassed and sends in troops to beat up the little ‘punks’. I don’t see that happening though.

For the long term I think it's good that Hong Kong citizens react so quickly to any limits on their freedoms. It sends a message to the leaders in China that they aren't going to run over a way of life that Hongkongers hold dear.