What are the Hong Kong protests and why did they start?
The protests began in June 2019 over plans – later put on ice, and finally withdrawn in September – that would have allowed extradition from Hong Kong to mainland China. They then spread to reflect wider demands for democratic reform, and an inquiry into alleged police brutality.
Are freedoms in Hong Kong on the decline?
Hong Kong still enjoys freedoms not seen in mainland China – but they are widely thought to be on the decline.
What are the rights of Hong Kong citizens?
This meant that while becoming part of one country with China, Hong Kong would enjoy “a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs” for 50 years. As a result, Hong Kong has its own legal system and borders, and rights including freedom of assembly, free speech and freedom of the press are protected.
Why is RTHK under pressure from Hong Kong government?
The public broadcaster RTHK has come under pressure from Hong Kong’s government, first for broadcasting an interview with the World Health Organization about Taiwan, and then for targeting police in its satirical news show “Headliner”.
Is China tightening its grip on Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has seen several months of pro-democracy protests – and China appears to be tightening its grip. The protests began in June 2019 over plans – later put on ice, and finally withdrawn in…
Are large-scale protests ever ‘understandable’?
In the October survey, 59 per cent of respondents agreed that “when large-scale protests cannot force the government to respond, it is understandable that protesters would take radical actions”. Of course, that someone finds certain actions “understandable” doesn’t mean they consider all actions acceptable.
How do Hong Kong’s police and government score in public opinion?
In the October survey, 49 per cent of the respondents gave the Hong Kong government a score of 0, and 52 per cent gave the police a score of 0 – taking their mean scores down to 2.32 and 2.60.
Why do Hong Kongers refuse to identify with mainland China?
Hong Kongers have described legal, social and cultural differences – and the fact Hong Kong was a separate colony for 150 years – as reasons why they don’t identify with their compatriots in mainland China.
Why is Hong Kong’s anti-Mainland Chinese sentiment rising?
There has also been a rise in anti-mainland Chinese sentiment in Hong Kong in recent years, with people complaining about rude tourists disregarding local norms or driving up the cost of living. Some young activists have even called for Hong Kong’s independence from China, something that alarms the Beijing government.