Renmin II: Hong Kong.

Essays | Frank Yang | November 11th, 2022.

Hong Kong is a wonderful place, with a beautiful language and amazing people. The last time I visited Hong Kong was when the demonstrations had just begun in 2019. I remember standing on a bridge over traffic, watching a group of protestors peacefully marching down the nearby street. As a naive child, I didn’t understand it nor think much of it. 

But even though I have grown and learned more about the world since then, the situation in Hong Kong has not changed at all.

With the recent passing of Queen Elizabeth II, conversations about Britain’s colonialism have resurged. One of the locations under discussion is Hong Kong, which was ruled by Britain until 1997 when the region was given back to China. Since then, unrest between the island nation and mainland country have been steadily increasing.

Welcome to the second article of Renmin, a series that will shine a light on the people that are mistreated, under-represented, and harmed by the hands of China.

The special administrative region of Hong Kong. The “fragrant port.” A small region off of the southeastern border of China, protruding into the South China Sea. Home to over 7 million people. 

Hong Kong’s position in the ocean had always made it a very important location for trade. Adding their technological companies, tourism industry, and the relatively low government influence in the economy, the Hong Kong region has become incredibly powerful and wealthy.

After being returned to China following the end of the British colonial rule, China had signed into treaty the understanding that Hong Kong would be a part of China, but have a high level of self-autonomy, described as a “one country, two systems” setup.

Hong Kong’s growth in the years after being released from Britain’s rule, however, soon began to dissuade China from its original promises. The treaty had guaranteed China’s full control over Hong Kong by 2047, but the flourishing state of the city has made them impatient.

In recent years, a countless number of incidents have occurred, suggesting the encroachment of China over Hong Kong’s autonomy. From legislative bills limiting Hongkongers’ freedoms, to disappearances of people speaking out against China, unrest has begun to rise.

And when it comes to freedom, the people of a democratic state will not back down. Protests have been happening ever since the first incidents began, but have been unprecedentedly high since the 2019-2020 protests. 

The primary participants in these protests? 

Young people.

It’s the new generation’s future that’s in question. Journalist Claudia Mo says, “I won’t be around anymore. It’s their future.”

This is a matter beyond the semantics of what Hong Kong is called. This is about real people’s opportunities, futures, and dreams. China’s authoritarian regime limits freedom of speech, press, and assembly and prevents its citizens from living how they want to. 

It’s time for there to be more pressure on China. It’s time for the freedoms we enjoy to be maintained and withheld globally.