CHINA PLANS TO PASS A DRACONIAN LAW WHICH WILL ERODE HONG KONG'S RELATIVE AUTONOMY FROM MAINLAND CHINA.
CHINA has been making headlines quite frequently these days For all the it seems. Hong Kong's fierce protests against Chinese suppression were a major geopolitical highlight of 2019. But the movement lost its steam due to the corona-virus pandemic.
Xi has a knack of impeccable timing. He has expanded Chinese navy in South China sea. He has enhanced Chinese influence in Taiwan. And now he will pass a restrictive law in Hong Kong.
THE BACKGROUND
Hong Kong was the last vestige of the British Empire. Its last colony. However, it decided to hand over Hong Kong to China in 1997 in unique circumstances.In 1984, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and China's premier Zhao Ziyang signed the Sino-British Joint Declaration, agreeing that China would give Hong Kong some political and social autonomy through a “one country, two systems” policy for a 50-year-period. At that time, China was a considerably weaker economy in comparison to Hong Kong's bustling one.
THE HANDOVER CEREMONY, 1997. ( source Reuters)
Thus, for now Hong Kong is a 'special administrative zone' which has autonomy in terms of foreign policy, economy, election etc but is still a suzerain part of China.
THE CURRENT SCENARIO
Two days back. China announced that it will pass a new "national security law" bypassing Hong Kong's elected representatives and being implemented by a special committee from Beijing.
This law focuses on:
1. Secessionist Behavior.
Secessionist means disintegrating. It focuses on people who oppose China i.e pro-democracy protesters. People who do not want to be under the control of Chinese Communist Party & who strive for democracy.
2. Foreign elements.
It refers to journalists, diplomats, tourists & foreign companies who might provide assistance to the pro-democracy protests.
3, Anti-China elements.
People who oppose China, its political system, its leaders, its policies & its ideology can be severely punished.
CONCLUSION
The law is very disturbing as terms like 'terrorists', 'sedition' & 'secession' are vaguely defined giving the Chinese authorities an opportunity to make their own legal interpretations.
China has flouted the agreement with Britain by reducing HK's autonomy.
A lot depends on how the international community responds to these chain of events as heavy criticism can force embolden Beijing to rethink.
The protests must continue to portray open defiance to these restrictions.
China has abused this pandemic as an opportunity to further expand their interests.
As a global citizen living in a free & democratic nation, I feel it is my duty to highlight these events. Comments would be welcome. Feel free to become a member below.
LONG LIVE DEMOCRACY!