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Let's be cautious about democracy

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China's rapid development has made it one of the great world powers. This has also brought it into conflict with other nations, with the lack of democracy on the mainland being a major criticism.

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But, I think democracy is not necessarily the best thing for a country's people. Take Hong Kong as an example. Hong Kong has much more democracy when compared to the mainland. But even though living standards on the mainland are far worse than in Hong Kong, things have been improving rapidly. This is because the government can carry out policies without any interference. All sectors benefit, and they do so much faster than in a democracy.

We should ask ourselves if we really need democracy in Hong Kong. It seems all of the policies implemented by Hong Kong's rulers benefit poor people. The more democratic a place, the bigger the benefits for the poor, but there is nothing for the middle-class like us.

We shouldn't blindly fight for democracy. All that will do is raise tension between Hong Kong and Beijing.

Chan Chun-ngai, YWCA Hioe Tjo Yoeng College

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