Since Hong Kong is part of the People’s Republic of China, any act trying to challenge China’s authority is treasonous. Regardless of the protesters’ wishes for Hong Kong’s future, it’s under Chinese authority.
People from around the world are concerned for Hong Kong’s future. Residents who have strong opinions went to the streets, asking for democracy and freedom because of a controversial extradition bill, which will bring Hong Kong residents into mainland China for trials. As the protesters challenged the Chinese government’s authority, they crippled the Hong Kong airport.
It all started with grievances from young residents of Hong Kong who disrupted their government using arguments about human rights. However, with support from more residents, streets are filled with protesters who entered the Hong Kong legislation building and tarnished the walls with black paint. Ironically, this is beyond what a reasonable, peaceful petition should look like. Violent protesters are destroying Hong Kong, rather than protecting it.
Hong Kong’s basic law and other countries’ constitutions guarantee the right to have peaceful protests. Hong Kong is not currently under communist China’s control, but the Chinese government can still make rules, laws and restrictions on their own, including sending criminals back to the mainland for trials, as these are some of the basic things a country can do to their territory.
Eventually, China will take over Hong Kong. Residents should prepare to embrace communist influences. Protesters’ subsequent actions will only make Hong Kong worse, and its economy would suffer from more aggressive protests. Naive people who are only destroying Hong Kong cannot represent the majority, as there are people from Hong Kong who stand with the Chinese government to stop chaotic scenes.
Hong Kong residents are making wrong decisions by turning against China, simply because China wants to exercise their extradition rules.
If some activists’ dissenting opinions begin to heat up and threaten Hong Kong’s economy, it is important to remember that Hong Kong is part of China, no matter the peoples’ grievances about democracy.
I can only recall good memories when I think about Hong Kong. The people are well-educated and respectful, embracing qualities from both Britain and Asia. Hong Kong citizens are a lot of things, but violent savages they are not.
For those unfamiliar with the current relationship between Hong Kong and China, it appears the extradition bill would allow Chinese officials to arrest Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong citizen wanted for murdering his girlfriend. However, Hong Kong citizens realize that the Chinese government is using this case to cover an attempt to begin gaining control over Hong Kong, as there is no reason why the Hong Kong authorities would not arrest him on their own. For years, Hong Kong journalists who have criticized the Chinese government occasionally “disappeared.” If the extradition bill is passed, Chinese authorities would be able to arrest them and demonstrators openly.
Supporters of mainland China say that Hong Kong should accept the terms and prepare for the communist party to gain control over. However, these statements are outrageous, as the people of China only understand how it feels to live under the limitations of a communist government. The people of Hong Kong have a government modeled after Britain, giving them a much greater sense of freedom and democracy than the people of mainland China. To take away their way of life is ridiculous. Just because the people of mainland China have become accustomed to their restrictions, means that they have the authority to force it onto others.
Although I do not agree with the methods of violence and vandalism that some demonstrators have resorted to, I believe it is crucial for them to get as much of the international media’s attention as they can. With widespread coverage, people can be aware of the situation in Hong Kong and sympathize with demonstrators, putting further pressure on the Chinese government to arrange for compromise. China’s government does not usually compromise, and without the world watching, they may continue to use unorthodox methods to get rid of demonstrators.
China, make a good example of yourself and compromise with the people of Hong Kong. The world is watching.