During Hong Kong’s National Day on July 1st, the visiting Chinese president Xi Jinping proclaimed the “beginning of true democracy” in Hong Kong after the mainland regained formal control over the territory exactly 25 years ago. In a venue closed for the public and journalists, after having deployed a huge security force, these words conveyed a chilling message to the world. To most Western spectators, this is a confusing, perhaps even silly statement. By referring to “true democracy”, Mr. Xi not only suggests the Communist Party of China (CPC) has implemented a democratic system in Hong Kong, but also that only China understands the real meaning of democracy. When I read about Mr. Xi’s speech, I could feel my head shaking from left to right. Surely, nobody can take this claim seriously. Or is there more to it?
Continue reading “Democracy with Chinese characteristics”Tag: Hong Kong
Hong Kong, one year in
It has been one year since my girlfriend Marlot and I moved to Hong Kong to start our new life as (semi-)expats. Thinking back on the past year, many wonderful experiences come to mind. Life in Hong Kong is, for one thing, very diverse. With one of the highest numbers of millionaires (about one in seven), some 20% of the city’s population lives below the poverty line. Ranked the world’s most liberal economy, Hong Kong has a certain winner-takes-all philosophy: only the very rich can afford the ridiculously expensive real estate, while many working-class families are forced to cramp in tiny apartments. Its surroundings are very mixed, too. From futuristic skyscrapers to deserted islands with clear-water packed with thick jungle − this place really has it all.
Continue reading “Hong Kong, one year in”A single hair that moves the body
Over the past few months, Hong Kong has witnessed several protests related to the now suspended extradition bill. The protests’ massive turnout and initial peacefulness have made headlines in many parts of the world. Recently though, things have started to turn ugly. The protests are increasingly looking like riots with tear gas-filled streets, police firing rubber bullets and government buildings being ravaged. Last weekend, even triad gangs joined the fray, assaulting protesters and spreading further chaos. Although I work and live near the area where most protests are taking place, the effect on daily life has so far been limited. Whereas I have previously argued that China’s parliament is flawed, the risks of exposing Hong Kong citizens to the mainland’s opaque legal system needs no elaboration. What does deserve more attention is the fact that the world is closely watching these protests, while most protests on the mainland go by quietly.
Continue reading “A single hair that moves the body”
China Hand 