Opinion | Hong Kong protesters will gain nothing from the shattering of the city’s peace

The Hong Kong protests have been used as political leverage by pro-independence forces in Taiwan, and the US media. But the young people of Hong Kong can gain little from the continued chaos and media glorification

Reading Time:4 minutes

Published: 9:00am, 23 Jul 2019Updated: 9:39am, 23 Jul 2019

For the past several weeks, Hong Kong has been in a state of chaos. Protests over Carrie Lam’s unpopular extradition bill have escalated to the point that several government buildings have been defaced, people have died, and there have been multiple clashes between police and protesters.

Meanwhile, the Western media has been gleefully watching the struggles of the people of Hong Kong like it is some kind of reality show. As these protests continue, I find myself asking: what has happened to Hong Kong? The peaceful, prosperous cosmopolitan city I once knew has been thrown into political disarray. Is this really good for Hongkongers?

I remember the first time I went to Hong Kong as a child in 1939. At the time, China was occupied by Japan. My family and I escaped Japanese occupation to have a better life. At the time, Hong Kong belonged to Britain, but since I was so young, I didn’t know what colonial rule was and it didn’t mean anything to me. All I knew was that Hong Kong had freedom. I could buy ice cream and watch movies with my friends. To me, those were happy days I will treasure forever. That was when I first felt a strong connection to Hong Kong.

Today, I can tell you I love Hong Kong. Its prosperity is a legacy that has carried on from colonial rule and has survived the transfer of Hong Kong to China.

But now, due to an extradition bill that is only a minor amendment to prevent criminals from fleeing to Hong Kong to escape charges, the young people of Hong Kong are up in arms. They are asking for the extradition bill to be permanently withdrawn, for Carrie Lam to resign, and for the right to direct elections. They are asking for total freedom and independence, thinking it will solve all their problems. But they are wrong.

These clashes will only hurt Hong Kong. These young people do not realise their agitation benefits outside actors who are waging a larger conflict with China. Hong Kong is being used as a political arena to advance the varying interests of other nations and governments.

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