The ongoing 2019 protests in Hong Kong, starting on March 15th, began due to anti-extradition sentiments. The would allow local authorities in Hong Kong to extradite criminals in areas such as mainland China and Taiwan even though extradition policies between these countries does not exist.
How does this concern the common Hong Kong civilian? Well, enacting this bill would represent the subjugation of Hong Kong civilians under the Chinese legal system. However, autonomy of Hong Kong was clearly agreed upon in the pivotal year of 1997.
In 1997, after 156 years as a colony of the United Kingdom, Hong Kong returned to Chinese sovereignty. The Chinese government would allow Hong Kong a “high degree of autonomy” for 50 years. However, since 1997, the people of Hong Kong have felt China’s grip tighten. A continuation of imposing Chinese force is what drives the civilians of Hong Kong to protest and rally for their autonomy.
In Hong Kong, there is a 1,200 person Nominating Committee. On paper, this committee is supposed to represent the general interests of the nearly 7.5 million people living in Hong Kong. However, this is not the case. The Nominating Committee is often criticized for its pro-China and pro-business stances. About 2/3 of the members of this committee are pro-establishment.
In general, these members care most that business patterns with mainland China remain consistent. Since this committee elects the Chief Executive (Hong Kong’s head of government), major issues arise when the common people feel suppressed by China’s relentless control. According to Konrad Hui ’22, a Wake Forest student who has lived in Hong Kong his entire life, “China has their hand in every part of Hong Kong politics.”
In 2014, a movement calling for universal suffrage began. Despite the efforts of multiple nonviolent demonstrations, including the famous Occupy Central movement, universal suffrage was not achieved.
Since China heavily manipulates the political system of Hong Kong, they have easily taken control of the facial recognition cameras. If the Hong Kong police continue to justify its usage for “security purposes,” coerced by Chinese officials, the usage of these cameras will see no end. “China doesn’t want to wait the 50 years; they want control now,” says Konrad Hui ’22. It will be interesting to see what unfolds as Hong Kong comes closer to the end of its 50-year period of “autonomy.”