By: Ally Friedman
Managing Co-Editor
Rarely do we hear much about China’s “Golden Goose,” in any context other than financial news. Hong Kong, which is technically a “Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China,” but is also sometimes called a city-state and an autonomous region, has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. Behind London and New York City, Hong Kong is the world’s third most important leading financial center. After 156 years of British rule, Hong Kong was officially handed over to China in 1997 under an agreement defined by the motto “One Country, Two Systems.” Since the handover Hong Kong has functioned semi-autonomously as a vital economic engine for China with its own multi-party political system.
In the wake of an announcement regarding Hong Kong’s 2017 elections, the region has been making headlines this week. Protestors from all different generations and advocacy groups took to the streets this past Sunday to express their grievances. The demonstration began after Hong Kong citizens learned that their next elected Chief Executive would be vetted and approved by a committee in Beijing. Certain activists have called for their current Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying, to step down, while others are primarily concerned with the future of universal suffrage in Hong Kong.
An enduring and unprecedented display of civil disobedience has emerged following the election announcement. The demonstration is based outside of the Hong Kong government headquarters, which activists have been calling “Civic Square,” and has swelled in numbers by the day. Protestors range in age and background, but two groups have been identified as foundational organizers of the movement. Student activists, led by a charismatic 17 year old named Joseph Wong, have recently joined forces with a movement called “Occupy Central with Love and Peace,” to present a united pro-Democracy lobby.
The recent protests in Hong Kong have been termed “The Umbrella Revolution,” in reference to the hordes of umbrellas activists have collected to protect themselves from police backlash. When the demonstrations began, Hong Kong police reacted forcibly with tear gas and pepper spray to clear the streets of peaceful protestors. Images of police aggression have been circulating alongside discussions about how the Umbrella Revolution will be resolved. As demonstrations and boycotts continue in Hong Kong, yet another plea for democracy from a young, educated citizenry has garnered attention on the world stage. The complicating factor in Hong Kong, however, is its attachment to China. Will the United States and its allies overlook human rights abuses and oppression in Hong Kong, as it has in China? This remains to be seen.