eResearch | Who better than the former Governor of Hong Kong, Christopher Patten, to put forth insightful commentary on the Hong Kong protests? Patten believes that the Communist Party of China is simply playing for time in their belief that the protesters will either lose heart in their fight or even lose the will to resist the Chinese authorities. Patten doubts that.
The demonstrations have now being going on for four months, with thousands taking to the streets each week-end. At the present time, there does not seem to be an end in sight.
Initially, the protests centred on the proposed extradition bill. By the time that it was rescinded, other issues had come forward first and foremost. Hong Kong’s citizens have expressed concerns about lower living standards and rising housing costs. They also have increasing anxieties about the heavy-handed actions of the Hong Kong police.
The people of Hong Kong are not seeking independence from mainland China, but they do not want the brutal dictatorship regime that threatens their freedom and autonomy that distinguishes their citizenship from that of the mainland Chinese.
Patten thinks that, if the Chinese authorities were more sophisticated in their approach to the conflict, they would act far differently than they are doing now. He believes that the ruling politburo should forego its present tactic that is challenging international trust because of their current approach towards Hong Kong and, instead, uphold their commitments under the Joint Declaration Treaty and guarantee Hong Kong’s freedoms and local autonomy until 2047.
You can read the entire article here: Project Syndicate – Full Article
