"Real voices: Local perspectives on US and China leadership transitions" Video by Hedy Bok

As the US and China gear up for potentially momentous transitions in their capitals, what do people in Hong Kong think of the implications? And which do they care about more – the presidential election across the Pacific or the Communist Party congress in Beijing?

It turns out (according to our unscientific sample, see video) many locals think that the Chinese leadership transition is more important because it is closer to home. A few are following the US elections more closely because it represents partisan involvement as opposed to the perceived secrecy of the selection process in the 18th party congress. In fact, less than 26 per cent of locals trust the Beijing government, according to a September poll of 1,000 people by HKU’s Public Opinion Programme.

Several respondents also expressed general apathy about political events.
 
The Chinese Communist Party's 18th congress, scheduled to start in Beijing on Thursday, is the most important political meeting in China in 10 years. A new generation of leaders, including Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang, are expected to be placed in the party's top positions, replacing the current leadership headed by Hu Jintao. 
 
The United States' 57th quadrennial presidential election takes place on November 6. Incumbent President and Democrat Barack Obama is running for a second term. His major challenger is the former Massachusetts governor, Republican Mitt Romney.