IN 1997, the British rule over Hong Kong ended, as the People’s Republic of China resumed its control on the territory. Instead of putting its political weight on one of the brightest spots of capitalism in Asia, China adopted the “one country, two systems” formula so as not to rattle businesses and investors contributing to its success.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region enjoys a degree of autonomy from Beijing, and its citizens exercise right to vote for its officials, but with candidates scrutinized by Chinese authorities to qualify. Hong Kong has thrived for the past 17 years, becoming sort of the gateway to China.
During those years, China progressed as well, becoming the second biggest economy in the world, having surpassed Japan and is even touted to overtake the United States soon.
On the week of September 2014, students began a series of protests seeking universal suffrage sans the dictations of Beijing. The youths have occupied sections of the city, promising not to give up until change is made on China’s decision to limit the voters’ choice in the 2017 election.
In the weekend, the police tried to quell the protest by using tear gas, pepper spray and baton charges but the protestors are carrying on to put a blot on China’s celebration of its 65th foundation day on October 1.
Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying has exercised restraint despite the students’ threat to occupy government facilities, buildings and public roads. The police have kept low visibility to prevent ugly, if not violent riots.
Is this another 1989 Tiananmen Square transported to Hong Kong in 2014? For the moment, Beijing has not directly involved itself in the situation, allowing the Hong Kong authorities to take appropriate measures. But if this goes out of hand, the People’s Liberation Army may have to assist Hong Kong security forces in stopping the unrest.
China’s President Xi Jinping, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission while wanting further market economic reforms for his country, will not hesitate to make clear the message that Beijing will not tolerate defiant attitude towards the Central Government. But unlike its iron-hand approach to opponents in the mainland, President Xi will have to soften the blow on the pro-democracy protestors as international media have eyes wide open.
We must recognize the courage and idealism of the protestors but the pragmatic approach is dialogue. China’s leaders have much to lose if it gives up easily to street protests for to do so would be sending a wrong message to its citizens in the mainland.
The Communist Party has entrenched itself in leading China to what it is today. The change in leadership from Mao Zedong to the fifth generation has resulted in the great leap forward within its borders and in the international stage.
President Xi is known for being a strong defender of national sovereignty issues that has its neighbors including India, Japan and Southeast Asian countries on security alert. He has adopted the slogan, “the China Dream” to unify the nation, but for now the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong is becoming a “China Nightmare. “