Job Discussion Forums

[Marcoregano]

I find the Beijing govt's recent affirmation that it will declare a State of Emergency in HK if it feels there is a threat to national integrity (or somesuch) a bit worrying. It's obvious that HK cannot be allowed to become completely democratic...it will set dominoes in motion and the Beijing honchos may be turkeys but they won't vote for Xmas. I wonder what will happen if there is a mass pro-democracy march in HK again this summer? Troops on the streets?

[Freddie_Unbelievable]

The march will happen this year. Sorry, troops will not be there. But, expect a few arrests from this "freedom march."

[Marcoregano]

...and more useful input from the Undead....gracias hombre....

[CountryClub]

I too was quite chilled when I heard the statement about Beijing possibly declaring a state of emergency in Hong kong but I don't yet have much of a grasp of how the people of Hong Kong feel about democracy and their relationship with Beijing. From what I can tell thus far, they seem to be vastly different to mainlanders despite the 2 systems one country rhetoric. How much do the people of Hong Kong want democracy? Also, I have found it difficult to get a feel for how the average HK feels about the whole 'patriot' debate. I would certainly appreciate the opinion and insight of any HK vets. My opinion is that democracy in HK wont have much impact on the mainland but will not be viewed very kindly by Beijing who will be unable to fully control the SAR.

[Marcoregano]

Hi Countryclub, I'm glad someone out there is interested in this. It's a tricky one and I think it might escalate. In a nutshell, most HK people want complete democracy but Beijing don't want them to have it. The one country 2 systems thing works fine so long as Beijing are in charge, but if HK becomes democratic HK might vote to become independent. Or, more worrying still for Beijing, the democracy disease might spread to Macau and/or neighbouring Mainland provinces, resulting ultimately in the demise of the Commies. Whether the HK people will go to the streets en masse to demand a greater say in their own government is the critical factor. On the one hand they are proud to be Chinese - no doubt about that. But Hongkongers also very different and one of their favourite pastimes is sneering at Mainlanders. Will they remain satisfied with their current pseudo-autonomy? The pro-democracy march by over a million Hongkongers last summer took everybody, including Beijing, by surprise. Next time it won't.

[Joachim]

Beijing can't really afford to do anything rash or major in Hong Kong, it is far too valuable a commodity to China in the long run. I read somewhere that the average income for a Hong Konger is 12 times that of a mainlander, which kind of illustrates the fact that China won't want to rock the boat too much.

Also, there is a freer press here and there is a larger percentage of foreigners, and these interests need to be preserved. Despite SARS and the Asian economic crisis, and the aftermath from the handover Hong Kong is still a very important world city from a business perspective, so I think we are safe here, there will be no more radical changes until hong Kong becomes less important.

[Marcoregano]

I totally agree that Beijing doesn't want to screw up HK....they want things to stay just like they are. But there are these pesky pro-democracy people who who just won't play ball. The big cheeses in Beijing will be in a very awkward position if the democrats here appear to be getting the upper hand. Frankly, I think that Hongkongers are so money-oriented that they will probably be happy to avoid pushing it to the limit....so long as the economy and their salaries continue to improve.