Who here follows the news (here, here) on Hong Kong? It looks like the Chinese government is having an all-out war with the people there supportive of the democratic cause, who comprise 55% of the city population.




Not a very good allegory. But it gets the conversation started.

Although I live so close, I really don't follow the news regarding China vs. Hong Kong. It's quite boring really. China are cunts, and HK constantly pisses them off.

To me, it's a fun and at the same time a depressing topic to follow. It'd be interesting to know how far China would go to suppress dissent and to change public opinion in an open society. Can Hong Kong truly be free without a democratically elected government? How long can two vastly different systems (politically, economically, legally) co-exist before one has to give way? How much is left of the authoritarian regime when all its soft power is gone?

Where did you get the impression HK constantly pisses off China?

Btw, the above article is a fun read.

Well, they seem to have a protest almost every week. Like I said, I don't follow it, so don't start saying how stupid I am for not getting it all correct.

You're right. They have protests every day over a wide range of issues. Only a few are directed at China. Some counter-rallies are organized by pro-Beijing groups. So if China is pissed off by largely peaceful and legal protests, they might have a temper problem.

I heard Shenzhen often has violent protests against violent police officers (chenguan). Is it true?

Well, I don't really have my finger on the pulse here. But I've not heard anything. Although there was one protest about 6 months ago over something big. It was on the news. Not sure if it was even Shenzhen. I really don't pay attention to Chinese news. I couldn't care less what they think or what they are fighting for.

Sounds like a typical HKer in the "silent majority".

Haha. Yeah, probably.

Here is what the Sino-UK Joint Declaration, the international agreement between the UK and China, says about China's Hong Kong policies after the transfer of sovereign power from the UK to China in 1997.



Occasions where China violates the agreement and the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution:

1. While the Chinese legislature has the power of final interpretation of the Basic Law, interpretation is to be sought by Hong Kong courts. However, China has interpreted (or actually amended) the Basic Law twice on its own initiatives.

2. Beijing's liaison office in Hong Kong has openly lobbied Hong Kong legislators against the exercise of legislature's Powers and Privileges Ordinance to investigate matters like a high ranking official on a nondisclosure charge and the government's decision related to TV licensing, a power within the limits of Hong Kong's autonomy.

3. It has been reported that China pressured local and international businesses (including HSBC and Standard Chartered Bank) not to advertise with pro-democratic media.

4. The Chinese liaison office operates as a spy and propaganda network in Hong Kong's turd. It allegedly helped pro-Beijing political parties build the ground game in elections. It allegedly funded pro-government rallies and counter-rallies against democrats' protests. It keeps files on politicians and high-profile activists for use in smear campaigns. Its officers stumped for a pro-Beijing political party fundraiser.

Lol, that doesn't surprise me. The corrupt Chinese government breaking an agreement and law.

This is China.

If these guys didn't fall, why should HK?

A five-day student strike begins today!

The week-long boycott of classes is to protest the decision by Beijing to pre-screen candidates for the election of the head of HK government. Thousands of students from the eight accredited universities in Hong Kong and other tertiary institutions will take part. They will be joined by hundreds of secondary school students on Sept 26.









Strike posters and banners in campus


The press are ready.

Timetable for tomorrow's strike assemblies in three different venues.

Crowds are converging.

Live streaming:

Apple Daily


CUHK Campus TV/Radio


SocREC
http://new.livestream.com/socreclive/events/3411629

G-rated. Free seating. Complimentary refreshment.

Class full!

#hkclassboycott

Very organized!

Protesters in thousands, led by students, march to the house of "689" C. Y. Leung (HK No. 1 official) to "arrest" him.

Protesters over bullhorn: "CY Leung, step down! Xi Jin-ping, shut up!"

Live stream:

http://new.livestream.com/socreclive/events/3425655

http://new.livestream.com/socreclive/events/3425618




@inmediahk fb


@TravelFoto


@byalanwong


@memehk.com fb

Dozens of reporters and photojournalists awaiting marchers outside Govt. House.


@harbourtimes


@varsitycuhk

Marchers arriving.

@OCLPHK (Occupy Central)

Around 800 stay for an overnight sit-in outside Gov House until CY (HK Chief Executive) comes out to work tomorrow, according to the Hong Kong Federation of Students, organizer of the impromptu march. The HKFS expects more people to surround the government headquarters tomorrow.