Something else may be spreading in Hong Kong amid coronavirus outbreak and anti-government protests – ‘xenophobia’ against mainland Chinese
- Scholars warn that Hong Kong’s already politically charged climate is an ideal breeding ground for opposing sides to use health crisis for their goals
- Anti-mainland sentiment reaches new heights, with ‘yellow’ shops discriminating against Mandarin speakers, and quarantined students doxxed
As Hong Kong treads gingerly in the grip of the coronavirus outbreak, with most avoiding going out and office staff told to work from home, negative sentiments against one group of people are more pronounced than ever.
The wariness of mainland Chinese comes against the backdrop of soaring numbers of infection across the border. As of Monday, more than 17,000 cases have been reported in mainland China, with over 360 deaths. Hong Kong recorded its 15th confirmed case on Sunday.
Analysts said while it was understandable that people would want to isolate themselves from mainlanders to reduce risks of infection, in Hong Kong, the situation had been politicised by government opponents.
“I hope that as the whole of society takes part in prevention of and fighting the disease, we can be tolerant ... rather than targeting or rejecting a particular group,” she said, citing the World Health Organisation’s position that draconian travel and trade restrictions were not necessary.