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Letters | Hong Kong freedoms are not under threat, as Bernard Chan told the BBC
- Many overseas observers believe that Hong Kong is losing its autonomy, but this is a misconception
- Freedoms are safe but Hong Kong must not cross the line towards separatism
Executive Council convenor Bernard Chan did well in his interview on BBC Hardtalk on April 1. Although Hong Kong has many inherent and real problems, there are many issues that surely we can be more optimistic about.
The interviewer, Zeinab Badawi, started the programme by mentioning how some pro-democracy activists claim that Hong Kong is losing its autonomy and being increasingly controlled by Beijing; contravening the agreement with the British when Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997. This is a typical misconception of Hong Kong by the international audience, which is often hyped up by the press and by local pro-democrat activists, some of whom even advocate independence.
Chan correctly says that this is only a small minority but they should be allowed to talk about it, given their right of freedom of speech here. Importantly, by talking about it, we can help others understand that independence is simply not possible, as this clearly crosses the “red line” that President Xi Jinping has mentioned.
I personally don’t see Xi as making a threat, but just exercising his freedom of speech as president, reminding those who advocate independence that this goes against “one country, two systems”.
Hong Kong allows for freedom of expression, and this has not changed. Our judiciary remains independent and, as Chan mentioned, 80 per cent of judges aren’t even Chinese and 60 per cent of them practise in common-law jurisdictions. The Hong Kong government has lost many more court cases than our friendly rival city down south.
Foreign investors continue to be drawn to the city and conduct business comfortably here, often using Hong Kong as a gateway to mainland China.
It’s exactly this extra and special freedom accorded to Hong Kong under “one country, two systems”, together with the rule of law, that makes Hong Kong attractive. It’s also in China’s interest to see the two systems flourish.
Beijing knows too well how things could snowball out of control. Hong Kong mustn’t provide that springboard or cross the line
However, this extra freedom should not result in social disharmony in Hong Kong or on the mainland. Beijing knows too well how things could snowball out of control. Hong Kong mustn’t provide that springboard or cross the line in ways such as starting a separatist movement.
Chan also briefly mentioned that we have other problems to worry about, such as an unaffordable housing.
I think capable politicians with good communication skills such as Mr Chan should speak to the international media more, to help Hongkongers and the world understand our complex situation here under “one country, two systems”.
Bernard E.S. Lee, Tsuen Wan
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