Hong Kong and China

Everest Leo

Mr. Roddy

IHSS

6 April 2020

Turbulence Between China and Hong Kong

    As most are aware at this point, China and Hong Kong are not on good terms, this is due to a large percent of the population of Hong Kong wanting more democracy. Recently changes were made so that only believers in the ideals that the Chinese government has are able to occupy positions of power, sealing the already worsening fate of the people who truly wish for more democracy. Naturally, other countries have spoken out about what China has done, but Hong Kong itself doesn't see a lot of free speech about its views on the main Chinese government anymore. It seems as though the vigor and energy of the people to change their city has fizzled out and been lost to the mainland. Lo Kin-hei, the chairman of the opposition democratic party in Hong Kong says that these recent changes will politically put Hong Kong "20 odd years back." so they have to choose whether to continue with their push for democracy or do something else. According to BBC, some people like Professor Lee, from Nanyang Technological University says "there may simply be no avenues left for political or public influence." While some residents are planning to leave the city entirely, this is unfortunately not an option for many people, even if these people disagree with the changes and have less rights. Although not everyone opposes the changes, some actually actively support what the Chinese government has done and speak up about it, encouraging other to do so as well. One of these supporters is popular influencer Penny Sun who also spoke up about her dislike for the 2019 riots and how they did not represent Hong Kong in her opinion. Beijing had always feared a chain reaction if Hong Kong did secure democracy because it would've shown to other cities that it is possible. Knowing this, they really tightened their grip on Hong Kong and it is now illegal to speak out against Beijing along with opposition politicians basically being prevented from entering parliament. As Professor Lee states "There will be no reversion, this is quite certain. Universal suffrage is a mere obstacle to the stability of the Communist Party's regime."

    Naturally, as someone who resides in a heavily democratic society, I think that Hong Kong would benefit from becoming more democratic and dependent from China, but I don't know enough about China's political system to be sure. In my opinion, all major countries would benefit from being mainly democratic, as the people are what make up the country/nation so they should have a say. As for the Hong Kong situation specifically, I find it really unfortunate that people who want to leave the country because of what's become of it don't have the means to do so and are stuck there. 

Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56585731

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