Hong Kong is part of China

These pro-democracy adherents, many of whom are young students and want full independence from China, must understand that Hong Kong was, is and always will be a part of China. It exists in its present state at the sufferance of the Chinese leaders. Moreover, despite his best efforts, the last British governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, failed to instil an interest in democracy in the majority, who just want to get on with their lives. This was demonstrated during last year’s pro-democracy Umbrella Movement rallies, when regular citizens just got fed up with the disruption to their daily work.

Hong Kong people should feel gratified that during Britain’s handover negotiations, China granted a 50-year no-change period. The 1984 joint declaration of “one country, two systems” was a real confidence booster for the territory. China could just have easily had the Peoples Liberation Army march across the border and take over on July 1, 1997 (or turn the water supply off!). Of course this no-change arrangement was partly a sop to future designs on Taiwan and also because of Hong Kong’s strategic status as a port and financial centre.

The Chinese authorities have shown remarkable restraint so far, but should these students persist in their efforts, or even turn to violence – the recent arrest of nine youths allegedly in the possession of 10 kilos of explosive materials could point to a move in this direction – then Chinese leaders may well lose their patience and order the PLA to march out of their barracks and really start bashing heads. What would Hong Kong’s future look like then? 

Unfortunately these over-exuberant kids don’t think much about the possible repercussions. And HSBC is making noises about transferring its head office from London back to Hong Kong!?

John L Sheppard