This article fails miserably to articulate the reality of what is going on for the Hong Kong people and the origins of that rebellion. It sounds like there was very little research done . The rebellion was started in 2011 by a 14 year old in order to protest their education system being replaced by the Chinese government 's education program which is rife with government propaganda . The Hong Kong people are being oppressed as their freedoms and representation are quickly dwindling . Watch the documentary
Joshua : Tennessee VS Superpower it documents the entire fascinating , inspiring and sobering effort by the people of Hong Kong to hold on to their tenuous freedoms .
The writer should have done more research . He missed the entire amazing story of this young man's courage and tenacity against a true Goliath .
Joshua : Tennessee VS Superpower it documents the entire fascinating , inspiring and sobering effort by the people of Hong Kong to hold on to their tenuous freedoms .
The writer should have done more research . He missed the entire amazing story of this young man's courage and tenacity against a true Goliath .
2
Britain sprinkled a little democracy over Hong Kong toward the end of it holding and left those driving on the left side and dressing their school children in the traditional way but it do have an affect. Much of their singularity has been violated in the last few years since Xi came to the Presidency as the boarder has become porous for those the PRC wishes to talk with. China is the Big Dog but that does not mean all is downhill for what Hong Kong has prided itself in, a distinction between the government and the law. That is a vital component it may help send North someday as the issue is alive yet in the mainland even in Party circles. Britain will have left something very valuable.
I moved to Hong Kong a month ago, and every single person college age person I've met told me that they were are the Umbrella Movement protests—the young people of Hong Kong are committed, hardworking, interested in activism and resistance, and they hold a very deep love of how special a place Hong Kong is. They give me hope!
Britain sprinkled a little democracy over Hong Kong toward the end of it holding and left those driving on the left side and dressing their school children in the traditional way but it did have an affect. Much of their singularity has been violated in the last few years since Xi came to the Presidency as the boarder has become porous for those the PRC wishes to talk with. China is the Big Dog but that does not mean all is downhill for what Hong Kong has prided itself on, a distinction between the government and the law. That is a vital component it may help send North someday as the issue is alive yet in the mainland even in Party circles.
Britain will have left something very valuable.
Britain will have left something very valuable.
I wonder how much readers commenting on this column know the complexity of the current HKSAR situation vis-a-vis Hong Kong history dated back to the Unequal Treaty.
And we have not even begun to debate what has transpired in the aftermath of Britain's leaving her colony behind. At least HKSAR is not India, Pakistan or Bangladesh! Thinking in that context, it is not a bad place to be.
That doesn't mean it is good, of course. If you think the U.S. has an inequality problem. HKSAR is downright frightening. There are many social issues. But there are also generational differences. So readers here thinking it is all China's may have missed the point. This is not to make excuse for China though. There is no doubt it is paranoid about restive SARs. And its method can be downright draconian. But had it been able to control everything, it would not have allowed all those valuable capital ended up parking in HK real estate. Think about it!
And we have not even begun to debate what has transpired in the aftermath of Britain's leaving her colony behind. At least HKSAR is not India, Pakistan or Bangladesh! Thinking in that context, it is not a bad place to be.
That doesn't mean it is good, of course. If you think the U.S. has an inequality problem. HKSAR is downright frightening. There are many social issues. But there are also generational differences. So readers here thinking it is all China's may have missed the point. This is not to make excuse for China though. There is no doubt it is paranoid about restive SARs. And its method can be downright draconian. But had it been able to control everything, it would not have allowed all those valuable capital ended up parking in HK real estate. Think about it!
Simply the PRC still needs HK to be its money laundering paradise amidst their semi closed economy and the abaence of world class judiciary system. Rest assured Xi is going to destroy the remaining advantages HK enjoy over his cuntry.
1
I saw a great documentary on the Hong Kong rebellion called Joshua : Teenager VS Superman on Netflix. This young man "Joshua " , started the entire movement and the documentary follows as he leads this radical movement driven by his undying passion for freedom and independence .
Great documentary .
Great documentary .
5
I read with intrigue the comments posted by whites and foreigners who think they understand Hong People's struggle and thoughts on China. Even those who have lived in Hong Kong, the expats live in a different universe and barely mingle with local crowd and few know how to read or speak the language. How is it that you know what Hong Kong people really think? Those who say we have more freedom now probably have not read of recent articles of journalists, bookshop owners, lawyers being taken away. How about not holding free elections and being told who is chosen to represent your views? Some of these comments are total ignorance.
8
As a matter of interest, how do you know they are "white?" What has skin colour got to do with the legitimacy of one's opinions? Did you graduate from Evergreen State College? And believe it or not many foreigners in HK and mainland China speak Mandarin or Cantonese. I'm one of them. I lived in HK for eight years, now in the mainland. I think my opinion is as legitimate as anyone's. As for mingling, well it takes two to tango. How many HKers or mainlanders ever strike up conversations with strangers, let alone foreigners? They have their heads buried in mobile phones in almost every public space. You can't even make eye contact with anyone, let alone talk to them.
2
The present government in China is ruthlessly and relentlessly pursuing one goal: conquest of its neighbors and complete domination of the region. A blind man, can see that.
8
China has more neighbors that any other country so your task will surely keep them busy for quite a while. The problem is none of them view themselves as satellites.
1
I guess President Xi wants some more Mar-a-Lago chocolate cake.
Trump should send him the XXL size.
Hmmmm! Yummy --- and now for some power politics Jinping style...
Trump should send him the XXL size.
Hmmmm! Yummy --- and now for some power politics Jinping style...
2
Nations around the world should take note of how China is dealing with Hong Kong, they may say nice things but it is backed up by an iron fist. China may want your minerals or goods but they are negotiating for China's benefit only. They will keep their promises only to the extent that it benefits them.
There is an old Arab saying "Never let a camel stick his nose in your tent."
Dealing with China is much the same.
There is an old Arab saying "Never let a camel stick his nose in your tent."
Dealing with China is much the same.
7
When Mr. Xi arrives in the city for the first time he wants one single thing: Harmony for Hong Kong and for China. I do hope that Hong Kong gives him "Harmony." Hong Kong will never in a million years become a free nation - to think so is complete stupidity. It is rightfully a part of native China now, and forever. Recognising Hong Kong's importance as a trading centre China has given it great freedoms. Although when Chinese military have occupied Hong Kong since 1997, it is difficult to say freedom for Hong Kong beyond what it has now. Think Harmony.
3
Think kowtow.
3
Been to HK many times never noticed the PLA, they must be cleaver at camouflage. But they are not far away if that is your point if any.
What China does to Hong Kong will affect how much other nations trust China. China made a promise. They should keep their promise.
14
As nice as the "one country two systems" framework sounds it doesn't hide the fact that this framework is completely at the pleasure of the central government. Beijing could decide tomorrow that the framework no longer works for them and end it immediately. There is nothing anyone can do about it because, like it or not, HK is a part of China and the power in China is in Beijing. HK has no more claim on autonomy than does California.
5
The umbrella protest was handled by the Hong Kong government. Why do you speculate about Beijing's approval? There is no evidence for that, nor any reason to suppose Beijing had an opinion on the local response. Also your report implies that the protest was broken up by riot police. In fact, over the two month period it gradually fizzled out until when the police removed the barriers there were only a handful of protestors left. Far from being a riot police response, the government permitted peaceful protest throughout. You will doubtless remind me that tear gas was deployed. Yes, it was, on the very first day when the protest was not peaceful and the police rightly feared for public safety. No-one was seriously hurt at any point during these protests, though there was some excessive response to provocation from one or two policemen at times.
Western reporting seems to start from the assumption that Beijing has malevolent designs on Hong Kong, but the evidence is to the contrary. They have not yet broken the Basic Law in any way, despite the democrats attempts to bend the words to say so. There have been isolated incidents that are worrying, like the booksellers kidnaps, but so far these seem to be the exception, not the rule.
I live in Hong Kong. I look around and I see a free society, a free press, and plenty of free public debate. Let's not spoil it all with conspiracy theories that create needless tension. Hong Kong is doing great, and Beijing is sticking to the deal.
Western reporting seems to start from the assumption that Beijing has malevolent designs on Hong Kong, but the evidence is to the contrary. They have not yet broken the Basic Law in any way, despite the democrats attempts to bend the words to say so. There have been isolated incidents that are worrying, like the booksellers kidnaps, but so far these seem to be the exception, not the rule.
I live in Hong Kong. I look around and I see a free society, a free press, and plenty of free public debate. Let's not spoil it all with conspiracy theories that create needless tension. Hong Kong is doing great, and Beijing is sticking to the deal.
7
A needed response. When I take friends through HK I tell them to keep am eye open for a protest demonstration, and an seldom disappointed; some folk with some signs and its not commercials.
I plan to visit Hong Kong to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the handover. I had a great honor as an invited guest to attend the handover ceremony on July 1, 1997. I saw Jiang Zemin than President of PRC and Tung Chee-Hwa in the Hong Kong Convention Center. Twenty years later Xi Jinping is the new boss or dictator of PRC and he will show his muscle in Hong Kong. My first visit to Hong Kong back in 1939 during the Sino-Japanese War period. I went there as a little kid with my family to find a safe place to avoid the Japanese atrocities. But in December 1941, Japan attacked Hong Kong and occupied Hong Kong on Christmas Day. I lived through the real "Dark Days" of Hong Kong. Hundreds of Chinese were killed by the Japanese. I was lucky able to come back to the US after the end of WWII. I am a senior citizen but I am still visiting Hong Kong every year. I love Hong Kong, no matter who is the boss of Hong Kong. Good Luck Hong Kong. Hong Kong will be better tomorrow! Hong Kong will always be part of China.
5
Article 68 of the Hong Kong Basic Law states the ultimate aim is the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage. Together with the similar article for Chief Executive,
Quite simply, the mainland has broken its word. It just goes to show that you can`t trust the mafia.
Quite simply, the mainland has broken its word. It just goes to show that you can`t trust the mafia.
20
China doesn't broke its word as the first sentence of Article 68 of Basic Law is "the method of electing legislative council should basic on Hong Kong's actual situation and in accordance with the principle of gradual and orderly progress".
China's central government is gradually passing law towards universal suffrage but this process is blocked by some pro-independents it-self.
China's central government is gradually passing law towards universal suffrage but this process is blocked by some pro-independents it-self.
1
Having lived in Hong Kong for 22 years I must say that the reunification has brought a lot of prosperity to the territory. The former colonial masters treated the local population very badly. Most Hong Kongers welcome the rule by China. A small, though vocal, minority is strongly opposed to Beijing and even wants independence. Communist rule may have some minuses but overall Chinese society avoids many of the negatives of US or EU society (e.g. Police shootings, racism, terrorism).
19
The article quotes that younger people no longer identify themselves with mainland China. You seem to enjoy a detached observer status. Give me your interpretation of those young ones who think they are Hong Kongers as opposed to Chinese (your use of Hong Konger is a neutral one, I presume). I agree with your summary assessment of the British treatment of locals (I have never lived in Hong Kong, only regularly visited there over a period of a few decades). Hong Kongers never exercised enough democratic rights and that fact turned out to be CCP's strongest asset, it seems (they enjoyed free access to information, though). CCP will just apply more cuts to Hong Kong slowly but surely before it effectively dies as a land of free knowledge. Able young Hong Kongners will presumably move out in due course, but that will mean nothing for a society of 1.3 billion. Enjoy your stay.
3
Well I can't say anything bad about him as he treats little ole New Zealand with the utmost respect. This guy could teach Trump a thing or two about diplomacy. China is the least of USA's problems and your third highest number of visitors are from China so that's a big boost tourism wise. The Chinese are not taught to hate the USA like the North Koreans are.
Maybe use the same system like how the British leased Hong Kong off the Chinese, for rebuilding places like Syria. Let the British or Europeans or USA lease Syria for 100 years to rebuild it then give the lease back to the Syrians.
Maybe use the same system like how the British leased Hong Kong off the Chinese, for rebuilding places like Syria. Let the British or Europeans or USA lease Syria for 100 years to rebuild it then give the lease back to the Syrians.
3
I will try and make this comment the least offending as I can, since every time I do comment on a China story, it takes eons to get through. ( if at all )
Knowing a little about subjugation ( with me own country ), I cannot imagine a people generally having the freedom of the west, and then to lose that freedom overnight. ( Tibet, Hong Kong and other places )
The social compact\detente of an increased and more prosperous middle class in lieu of human rights is tenuously holding, but for how long ?
We of course, support them every time we ignore our own local economies, for cheap imported goods at the box store. How long will that last as well, since the disparity between our own classes is expanding daily ( with the exacerbation of losing health care for millions )
I will be the first to admit, that I take my freedoms for granted too often. Perhaps I should walk a day in their shoes to appreciate their lives. Perhaps we should all ...
Just a thought.
Knowing a little about subjugation ( with me own country ), I cannot imagine a people generally having the freedom of the west, and then to lose that freedom overnight. ( Tibet, Hong Kong and other places )
The social compact\detente of an increased and more prosperous middle class in lieu of human rights is tenuously holding, but for how long ?
We of course, support them every time we ignore our own local economies, for cheap imported goods at the box store. How long will that last as well, since the disparity between our own classes is expanding daily ( with the exacerbation of losing health care for millions )
I will be the first to admit, that I take my freedoms for granted too often. Perhaps I should walk a day in their shoes to appreciate their lives. Perhaps we should all ...
Just a thought.
14
First of all, people in Hong Kong did not have democracy under the British rule. The Viceroy and high-ranking government officials were all appointed by Britain without any input from the locals. These British appointees were well paid and enjoyed free government housing in upscale neighborhoods. When they leave, they get a generous retirement package. If you look at the vocal opponents to China, most of them benefited under the British rule. After 1997, they lost their privileged status;therefore, they yearn for the return of British rule. They are more concerned about their own benefits than democracy for the masses.
1
@Daniel
Fair enough ( I don't doubt what you say at all ) however, what has that got to do with human rights ? Democracy is one thing ( voting ) but marching or speaking out on how there is no Democracy is another.
Especially and essentially, that you could just disappear for doing it. ( that was more what I was talking about )
Fair enough ( I don't doubt what you say at all ) however, what has that got to do with human rights ? Democracy is one thing ( voting ) but marching or speaking out on how there is no Democracy is another.
Especially and essentially, that you could just disappear for doing it. ( that was more what I was talking about )
1
False, Daniel Z: the most vocal opponents of Beijing rule in Hong Kong are to be found among the young. They recognize the tenuous freedoms they still have (free speech and free press, above all), and are rightly terrified of what will happen to them as they are gradually forced to "adapt" to Communist China's system. It is certainly true that British failed to give Hong Kongers any real democracy until it was too late, but what Britain did allow them is still the key bone of contention.
I suggest the headline should substitute, Donald trump's visit to Washington and struggle for control against elites in U.S.. In the final analysis Hong Kong has 30 more years of the 50 years transition period to adjust to China. It's final chutzpah for NYT to question it when U.S. is in the throes of terminal decline.
1
Democracy is not equivalent to lawless. Many demonstrators broke the laws without knowing it. This is not acceptable in China, Hong Kong, US or everywhere. Hong Kong's future depends on China. Without China's support, Hong Kong will suffer. A small group of people who were discontent with the current situation could drag Hong Kong into economic abyss. It will hurt the majority of people who are pro-China citizens.
7
I don't know how "veiled" this is - the implications are pretty plain to me and everyone else in Hong Kong I'm sure.
11
While Hong Kong is, indeed, part of China, it's People obviously don't want to be treated the way Chinese citizens were in Tiannamen Square, when the Communist Red Guard opened fire on people peacefully assembled, asking for Democratic reform.
The People of Tibet had no choice either, when Mao and the Communist Red Guard invaded their Country in March of 1959, killing thousands of people in the process, and imprisoning thousands more non-aggressive Buddhists for practicing their Faith. Tibet was a non-aggressive Country, bothering no one, wishing to be left alone.
A wealthy Chinese Communist can spend $500K on Real Estate, or a business deal here, and get a lifetime Visa for him AND his family, to live and travel anywhere, without restriction, in the USA. An American, today, cannot travel freely and without restriction in China, and especially in what is left of Tibet. That is SO COMPLETELY UNBALANCED,UNETHICAL, AND UNFAIR.
Xi Jinping makes Mao look like Mickey Mouse. And Trump thinks Xi will help us by reining in North Korea. What a fool. Xi will never do that. He WANTS to see America over extended militarily and financially, so he can come in here and do to us what Mao did to Tibet.
Look at History. Zebras don't change their stripes. Good luck, Hong Kong. the worst is yet to come.
The People of Tibet had no choice either, when Mao and the Communist Red Guard invaded their Country in March of 1959, killing thousands of people in the process, and imprisoning thousands more non-aggressive Buddhists for practicing their Faith. Tibet was a non-aggressive Country, bothering no one, wishing to be left alone.
A wealthy Chinese Communist can spend $500K on Real Estate, or a business deal here, and get a lifetime Visa for him AND his family, to live and travel anywhere, without restriction, in the USA. An American, today, cannot travel freely and without restriction in China, and especially in what is left of Tibet. That is SO COMPLETELY UNBALANCED,UNETHICAL, AND UNFAIR.
Xi Jinping makes Mao look like Mickey Mouse. And Trump thinks Xi will help us by reining in North Korea. What a fool. Xi will never do that. He WANTS to see America over extended militarily and financially, so he can come in here and do to us what Mao did to Tibet.
Look at History. Zebras don't change their stripes. Good luck, Hong Kong. the worst is yet to come.
37
You really nailed it that US is so foolishly open to China unilaterally. Not only Chines citizen can travel and stay anywhere in US with a visa while American cannot do the same in China, Chinese government is also free to run its propaganda machines like CCTV and buy out newspapers in US at will, while no American media can have any fair and open access to Chinese people. Chinese government also forcefully block all major American internet companies like Google and Facebook, yet Chinese internet companies Tencent and Baidu have full access to American market. How could US president and American politicians be so blind to these facts?
20
Money.
2
China is a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by Xi, the unelected Chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. It is clear why the "geniuses" at Apple love communist China. What is unclear is why the NY Times NEVER talks about the real China that is taking our jobs and filling our stores with cheap junk made in sweatshop in almost slave-like conditions. The Trumps are NOT the only ones who support this system. Many Democrats also support China.
19
Hong Kong is a busy and prosperous place. The NYtimes's focus on the dissident few doesn't address the many who have two jobs and are going to university, and who are still burned at the Occupy nuts for trashing and blocking Central.
5
Once Mocked in Hong Kong, Xi Will Show It Who’s Boss
[ Again, I have no idea why such a provoking headline would be written. President Xi is celebrating the people of Hong Kong on this anniversary of the necessary closing of British colonial rule. What the Chinese people are accomplishing is wonderful, and residents of Hong Kong should be celebrated for what they have accomplished as a formal part of China. ]
[ Again, I have no idea why such a provoking headline would be written. President Xi is celebrating the people of Hong Kong on this anniversary of the necessary closing of British colonial rule. What the Chinese people are accomplishing is wonderful, and residents of Hong Kong should be celebrated for what they have accomplished as a formal part of China. ]
14
The point is that China treats Hong Kong so horribly and undemocratically that they don't *want* to be a formal part of those oppressors! No one should leave a foreign empire only to have the local empire treat them with even more of an iron first and tin ear. Hong Kong needs and expects to know that its autonomy, elections, and internet will not be strangled or voided a whit further.
Until then, Xi should be welcomed with a coup, not a carpet!
Until then, Xi should be welcomed with a coup, not a carpet!
16
Apparently many hundreds of thousands Hong Kongese don't agree with your rosy assessment.
Its also telling that most young people in Hong Kong don't consider themselves Chinese - they are from Hong Kong.
Perhaps the CCP kidnapping, harassing and killing anti-Beijing book sellers and publishers, making a rigged election system where < .1% of the people elected a Pro Beijing mouth piece (Ms. Lam) and forcing more pro-Beijing propaganda masked as "patriotic education" in public schools might have something to do with that?
Its also telling that most young people in Hong Kong don't consider themselves Chinese - they are from Hong Kong.
Perhaps the CCP kidnapping, harassing and killing anti-Beijing book sellers and publishers, making a rigged election system where < .1% of the people elected a Pro Beijing mouth piece (Ms. Lam) and forcing more pro-Beijing propaganda masked as "patriotic education" in public schools might have something to do with that?
2
Struggle for Control Underlies Xi Jinping’s Visit to Hong Kong
[ What nonsense. Why not have written "Struggle for Control Underlies Barack Obama's Visit to California"? Hong Kong is part of China, and the residents of Hong Kong are faring as well as say the residents of Los Angeles. The article smacks of foolishly and forlornly wishing Hong Kong a British colony again. ]
[ What nonsense. Why not have written "Struggle for Control Underlies Barack Obama's Visit to California"? Hong Kong is part of China, and the residents of Hong Kong are faring as well as say the residents of Los Angeles. The article smacks of foolishly and forlornly wishing Hong Kong a British colony again. ]
11
Thankfully, you do not speak for the residents of Hong Kong.
25
So much for "one country, two systems."
11
Hong Kong: $52,700,
Taiwan $39,000,
China: $9,800.
What explains this large difference other than the competence of the governance?
Also, what explains the difference in pollution levels?
John