The group is demanding free elections and other democratic reforms.
Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a formula known as "one country, two systems" that guaranteed a high degree of autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed in mainland China. Universal suffrage was set as an eventual goal.
But Beijing last month rejected demands for people to freely choose the city's next leader, prompting threats from activists to shut down Central. China wants to limit elections to a handful of candidates loyal to Beijing.
It will be surprising if anything good can come out of this, in fact it can also make HK worse off than before. Democracy is not going to thwart Chinese influence, actually it can definitely legitimize their new puppets.
ReplyDeleteClamor for democracy tend to make people forget about their actual needs like stronger property rights, individual freedom, stable institutions & rule of law. Not many realize that the power to elect a bunch of officials does not guarantee freedom.
Interesting how much less military their forces look compared to our mob control units. I guess fascists have always dressed the part better than communists.
ReplyDelete@ msreekan Well said.