Hong Kong independence banners present a real test of Carrie Lam’s political wisdom
The government doesn’t want to see the start of a new academic year turn into a return to political strife in the city
Will the government’s strong condemnation lead to stronger advocacy for Hong Kong independence? The question has haunted the administration, and, to a certain extent, Beijing as well over the years.
Since then, Beijing has stated its uncompromising anti-independence stand on various occasions.
Some online comments suggested the family tragedy was “karma” for Choi, whose pro-Beijing background is treated with suspicion by her critics.
While decrying the poster as “extremely callous and insulting”, Lam condemned the proliferation of pro-independence banners on university campuses, warning they had “overstepped the bottom line” and there were limits to freedom of speech. Hong Kong independence “is in violation of our country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and development interests”, she reminded those responsible.
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Her response was timely, following her previously measured approach in the dilemma of how to curb the trend without blowing it out of proportion.
Obviously the government doesn’t want to see the “back to campus” season at the start of the new academic year turning into a “back to political strife” scenario.
That is not just because it has too much on its plate, but also because Lam is busy preparing her maiden policy address to be delivered next month. But she could not keep silent on the matter either.
Also worth noting is the fact that, so far, neither Beijing nor its representatives at the liaison office have made a strong official response yet.
Overnight, the young woman became a national hero, with messages pouring in to support and praise her bravery, reflected on major online platforms and in newspapers on the mainland.
Beijing can take public opinion from mainlanders as its weapon to say a firm “no” to Hong Kong independence. But it’s more complicated for Lam as she must be accountable to Beijing and its zero- tolerance policy regarding independence, while also making sure that getting tough on advocacy doesn’t backfire.
It will be a real test of her political wisdom.