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Olga Wong

Tony Cheung

An addition by the People's Liberation Army to the city's harbour light show has divided opinion, with some seeing the neon display on the garrison's Admiralty headquarters as sinister and others describing it as a mere decoration.
The flashing lights installed on the newly renovated building spell "Chinese People's Liberation Army" in giant characters.
Professor Ray Yep Kin-man, of the City University's department of public policy, said the display was meant to emphasise the central government's sovereignty over Hong Kong.
"It is sensitive timing," Yep said, a day after the State Council issued its white paper emphasising Beijing's "comprehensive jurisdiction" over Hong Kong.
"They should know such an installation could touch a nerve with Hongkongers."

Helena Wong Pik-wan of the Democratic Party said the neon lights were "disturbing".
"I think it is threatening, it is telling Hongkongers that 'we are here' … It is not in unity with the buildings nearby and it destroys the entire night view," she said.
But pro-government politician Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said it was no different from displays on commercial buildings such as the Bank of America tower.
The PLA agreed, saying the lights - which were still on trial - were designed to match the urban landscape. The comments came amid a wave of protests over the white paper and followed a 180,000-strong turnout at Victoria Park last week to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.



			Full text: Chinese State Council white paper on ‘One Country, Two Systems’ policy in Hong Kong



			Hong Kong barristers hit out at Beijing’s white paper, vow to protect judicial independence


The central government holds "comprehensive jurisdiction" over Hong Kong and is the source of its autonomy, Beijing said yesterday in an unprecedented white paper intended to set the tone for political debate.
It stressed that while the city could, in the future, choose its leader through universal suffrage, that person had to be loyal to the country.
China's national security and interests were at stake, it added.
While similar views have been made by mainland officials before, the timing and the way the document was released show Beijing is determined to put its foot down over Hong Kong's political development.
The white paper, issued by the State Council, said "many wrong views are currently rife in Hong Kong" and added: "Some people are confused or lopsided in their understanding of the policy [one country, two systems] and the Basic Law."

	"There is no need to feel threatened … In fact, members of the PLA garrison are much better behaved than their British counterparts."

	Regina Ip
The paper, released in seven languages through Xinhua, came 10 days before the Occupy Central movement's unofficial "referendum" - to be held from June 20 to 22 - on how the 2017 chief executive election should be carried out.
The PLA's lights were "an obvious gesture to stress [Beijing's] authority in the heart of the city," Yep said.
He stopped short of saying it implied a threat of force against demonstrations such as Occupy Central's planned blockade on the business district, but added: "It does send a message to Hong Kong people that [Beijing's] authority is solemn and clear."
But New People's Party chairwoman Ip said Hong Kong should be proud of the PLA.
"My daughter said she is very impressed," Ip said.
"There is no need to feel threatened … In fact, members of the PLA garrison are much better behaved than their British counterparts."


PLA building's giant neon lights 'a show of power' over Hong Kong harbour

The PLA headquarters now displays its name in lights at night (pictured left). Photo: SCMP Pictures

Chinese characters for “Chinese People’s Liberation Army”. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Protesters burn Beijing’s white paper on ‘one country, two systems’

Lawmakers and activists splash red paint over a copy of the Basic Law at Beijing''s liaison office in protest at the white paper. Photo: Nora Tam

Demonstrators burn the white paper outside the liaison office in Sai Wan. Photo: Nora Tam 

Protesters called for Beijing to retract the white paper released on Tuesday. Photo: Nora Tam

Members of the Democrat Party burn the copy of State Council white paper in front of Central Government's Liaison Office in Western. Photo: David Wong


Photo: David Wong


Beijing emphasises its total control over Hong Kong in white paper

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying answers questions about the white paper, which he said was in line with the Basic Law. Photo: Felix Wong

The paper came amid debate on how to elect Hong Kong’s chief executive in 2017, and two weeks before Occupy Central conducts a citywide public vote on political reform. Photo:  Sam Tsang

The paper came amid debate on how to elect Hong Kong’s chief executive in 2017, and two weeks before Occupy Central conducts a citywide public vote on political reform. Photo: David Wong

Harry's view

Hong Kong barristers hit out at Beijing’s white paper, vow to protect judicial independence

Members of the League of Social Democrats and other activists protest against the white paper outside the Liaison Office. Photo: Nora Tam

Paul Shieh Wing-tai, chairman of the Bar Association, refers to the Basic Law during a press conference in April. Photo: Nora Tam

Members of the Democrat Party burn the copy of State Council white paper in front of Central Government's Liaison Office in Western. Photo: David Wong

News

Hong Kong

Giant characters installed on the newly renovated PLA building read 'Chinese People's Liberation Army', prompting speculation that they are another example of Beijing stamping its authority on Hong Kong.
