I thought China was only supposed to threaten Taiwan. Now it’s Hong Kong’s turn as the CCP says it will dissolve the HK legislature if democrats take it over from the pro-Beijing “patriots.”
China has taken the velvet glove off its iron fist and threatened to dissolve Hong Kong’s legislature if pro-Beijing candidates lose control of the body in the coming September election.
This is the sternest warning issued by Beijing in its bid to stem the rising democratic tide set off by the massive public protest last July 1. It was delivered on Sunday by a senior Chinese official at a closed-door briefing for a selected group of pro-Beijing journalists in the Special Administrative Region.
According to a transcript published the following day by Wen Wei Po, Beijing’s mouthpiece in Hong Kong, the official said: ‘I have a sword. Normally, I would not use it. Now it is the democrats who force me to use it.’
Asked what the ‘sword’ was, he replied: ‘Please note that the Basic Law (Hong Kong’s mini-Constitution) has provided for the dissolution of the legislature.’
Such a move would trigger a major constitutional crisis.
That Beijing is prepared to go so far shows just how worried it is about losing the September election for a new Legislative Council (Legco).
The screws are tighening on HK, and it will be interesting to watch the plot unfold. Of course, the CCP has all the power here, but can it afford the public relations nightmare that would follow any attempt to strongarm HK and blatantly repress its freedom? The lifeblood of the New and Improved China is foreign investment, and I can’t think of a better way to scare it away than stripping Hong Kong of its elected legislature.
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By Simon
I think it is becoming clear that China no longer cares – their priority now is to get HK under political control and worry about the economic fall-out later.
February 18, 2004 @ 1:16 pm | Comment
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By MJO
The prediction that demands for democracy will rapidly spread across the mainland if HK were to be “allowed” universal sufferage is, in my opinion, laughable to anyone familiar with China.
Nevertheless, I imagine that Beijing doesn’t wish to break any such mould and, potentially, lose effective political control of HK. ‘Political control’ is surely at the heart of this matter.
I also think that Beijing is genuinely bewilded by the fact that a successful economic climate is not enough for HK people.
Still, as you say, Richard, it will be interesting to see how the plot unfolds. It seems that the residents of Zhongnanhai are living in “interesting times”.
February 18, 2004 @ 1:41 pm | Comment
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By Zhang Li En
On the whole I think the leadership in Beijing, while they may be a pack of corrupt bastards, have a pretty good handle on how to administer their own country … but once again this shows their gross ignorance of anything outside their world. Frankly I can’t think of anything more likely to stur dissent, outrage, and genuine opposition to Beijing from otherwise apolitical HKers. Hell, even a tax increase would cause less trouble.
The chance of a HK with a democratically elected legislature trying to declare independence from China? Nil. The chance of anti-Beijing street marches, and lots of people becoming increasingly sure that life would be better without China, if Beijing dissolves the legislature? Extremely high.
February 18, 2004 @ 2:43 pm | Comment
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By richard
Li En, you are exactly right. This is turning into a real can of worms for Beijing.
All eyes are now on that valiant leader Tung Chee Hwa; what will his next move be to ensure freedom and democracy for his beloved subjects?
February 18, 2004 @ 6:43 pm | Comment
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By Winds of Change.NET
PRC News — China Regional Briefing: 2004-03-18
The Gweilo documents Hong Kong politicians and their hardline — and therefore “patriotic” — attitude towards democratic supporters, while Wen Wei Po indicates they’ll Hong Kong politicians and their hardline — and therefore “patriotic” — attitude towards democratic supporters, while Wen Wei Po indicates they’ll February 19, 2004 @ 12:32 am | Comment
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By boy
He will read stories to little kids and dodge questions.
February 19, 2004 @ 9:52 pm | Comment