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Time to plan for future democracy

The United States imposed trade sanctions against China at the height of the 'Cold War' between the East and West in the 1950s. At the time, Hong Kong was a British colony, and the city was the only link connecting China with the rest of the world. But, since China launched a series of economic reforms in the early 1980s, Hong Kong's value as a 'bridge' to the outside world has diminished.

In the meantime, Hong Kong made rapid economic progress, and we are now an international financial hub.

After the handover, we continued to enjoy freedoms, such as freedom of speech, which are restricted in other parts of China. When top mainland officials visit Hong Kong these days, they bring gifts. Some believe this is 'no big deal' because it is normal for a country to take care of its cities. However, I am worried that these gifts will make the establishment of democracy in Hong Kong a distant dream.

It is high time that our government came up with some new ideas for a bright future so that we have something up our sleeve when we are negotiating plans for democracy with the central government.

Ivan Li, STFA Tam Pak Yu College

From the Editor

Thank you for your letter, Ivan. We apologise for having to cut it so short as you had some very good points to make. The fact is that Hong Kong, short of making a declaration of independence, is always going to have to do as Beijing says. That is how being in a country works.

It is hard to imagine how Beijing will be able to allow democracy in Hong Kong and withhold it from the mainland. And, there seems to be no move to change the current system on the mainland any time soon.

But as you say, it is always good to have a plan B, and diversifying our economy certainly cannot do us any harm.

Susan, Editor

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