HONG KONG | China’s Lost Democracy? - Video

Is democracy finished in Hong Kong? The handover of Hong Kong in 1997 was a significant event in international relations, marking the end of British colonial rule and the rise of China as a global power. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, China promised to maintain Hong Kong's separate political, legal, and economic systems for 50 years. However, this autonomy has steadily eroded, particularly following the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020, which criminalises dissent and stifles political freedoms. This law has led to the arrests of numerous activists and political figures, sparking international criticism and concerns about Hong Kong's judicial independence and freedom of speech.

The recent convictions of 14 activists under this law have intensified these concerns, with the US, EU, and UK condemning the trials as politically motivated. The erosion of democracy in Hong Kong has prompted an exodus of residents seeking refuge, primarily in the UK. Despite international outcry, Beijing defends its actions as necessary for national security and stability, arguing they are preparing Hong Kong for full integration with mainland China. Critics, however, contend that these measures damage Hong Kong's status as a financial hub and undermine trust in China's international commitments, particularly concerning Taiwan's potential reunification.

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*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
00:41 Hong Kong, Democracy and Chinese Rule
01:49 Hong Kong: Location and Population
02:36 A Short History of Hong Kong
04:45 British-Chinese Relations and Hong Kong
06:22 Hong Kong after the Handover to China
09:29 The Final Erosion of Hong Kong’s Democracy?
11:56 Can Democracy Be Restored in Hong Kong?

*SOURCES AND FURTHER READING*
Hong Kong Chief Executive
https://www.ceo.gov.hk/en/welcome.html
State Council | People’s Republic of China
https://english.www.gov.cn
1898 New Territories Leasehttps://oelawhk.lib.hku.hk/archive/files/a65ca57b4094055dac220188d5c70309.pdf
1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration
https://treaties.un.org/doc/Publication/UNTS/Volume%201399/v1399.pdf
Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
https://www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/basiclaw/index.html
2020 National Security Lawhttp://www.ecns.cn/news/politics/2020-07-01/detail-ifzxrvxc0874078.shtml
Welcoming Committee for Hong Kongershttps://www.welcomehk.org/news/hk-to-uk

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#HongKong #China #democracy