Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3022034/hong-kongs-stability-beijing-needs-begin-open-discussion-road-2047 Letters
For Hong Kong’s stability, Beijing needs to begin an open discussion on the road to 2047
A man sits along the Hong Kong harbourfront on a foggy morning in March 2016. Hong Kong needs a clear roadmap to 2047 and beyond. Photo: AFP
Richard Harris may have got his five stages of grief mixed up with the seven deadly sins (“Hong Kong is going through the five stages of grief”, August 1).
The simple reality is that the discomfort now felt about the future will only progressively increase between today and 2047, and we are fast approaching a situation similar to the late 1970s when concern over New Territories leases forced a consideration of the post-1997 settlement.
Today, wise minds in both Zhongnanhai in Beijing and Government House in Hong Kong should be thinking about establishing some sort of new Joint Liaison Group to address civil and commercial matters that extend beyond 2047, in as transparent a manner as possible.
There are only three possible post-2047 outcomes: the complete absorption of Hong Kong into Guangdong province, an extension of the special administrative region status as Deng Xiaoping once hinted, or something in between. As long as the last two of these options remain clearly in play and on the table, there is still the chance of some semblance of stable government for Hong Kong for the remaining 28 years.
Colin Blackwell, Lamma Island
If you want democracy, leave Hong Kong
As a former resident of Hong Kong – I lived in the city from late 1969 to 1971 – I don’t understand why the people of Hong Kong are protesting.
Since the 1997 handover, the Chinese government in Beijing has controlled the former British colony and will decide its fate. It has given Hong Kong the autonomy to operate under its guidance until a final decision is made by Beijing. Hong Kong is not a democracy and never will be.
That is why people left Hong Kong, migrated or fled to other countries. They understood the final fate of the city.
It will get to the point where the Chinese government will use full force to suppress these protesters, whatever their numbers are. No country in the free world will jump in to help, unless the protesters seek asylum elsewhere.
Everyone in the world knew this would happen after the handover. China’s communist government will not be bullied by a bunch of protesters, who should have had the sense to flee Hong Kong for their safety and their lives.
Protesters, wake up and smell the tea that is brewing, as it may save your lives. The world could not care less about Hong Kong; other countries have their own problems to worry about.
Leave now or you will be sorry in the near future.
Dean W. Hoe, Honolulu, Hawaii