Hundreds of
thousands of Hongkongers are out in the streets, protesting a deeply unpopular
bill. While fighting for withdrawal of the ELAB (the bill that would allow
local authorities to extradite people to countries that Hong Kong doesn’t have
extradition agreements with), they are fighting about the status of Hong Kong,
their freedom, and the influence of
mainland China over them.
It all
started with murder committed by one of Hong Kong citizens on his girlfriend in
Taiwan, the perpetrator confessed a month later after returning to Hong Kong.
He couldn’t be charged for this crime in HK because the crime was committed in
another country, he couldn’t be extradited to Taiwan to be charged there
because, this two countries don’t have an extradition agreement. Because of
this HK officials proposed a deal that would allow them to extradite people to
countries that they don’t have extradition agreements with. Hongkongers are
afraid that signing this bill would allow the local officials to extradite
political refugees from China to be send back, where they wouldn’t have a
chance for a fair trial. This would also give Mainland China more power over
Hong Kong, which is technically a part of China but until 2047 operates as a
semi-autonomous region, because of the deal between China and Britain, which was
signed in 1997 when Great Britain was handing Hong Kong over back to China
after 99 years lease.
The problem
is that China doesn’t want to wait for the deal to expire, and couple of
pro-democracy leaders have already been arrested. In 2003 huge protests in Hong
Kong, successfully fought a legislation that would make it illegal to speak
against China. In 2014 thousands of Hongkongers protested against China’s
influence over their election, during this protests emerged a new political
movement called “The Umbrella Movement”, it’s called this way because of the
use of umbrellas to protect the protestors against the pepper spray, used by
The Hong Kong police.
Current
protests began on 31st of March and are currently ongoing. The
protestors have a list of 5 demands :
1. Complete withdrawal of the
extradition bill from the legislative process
2. Retraction of the "riot" characterization
3. Release and exoneration of arrested
protesters
4. Establishment of an independent
commission of inquiry into police conduct and use of force during the protests
5. Resignation of Carrie Lam and the
implementation of universal suffrage for Legislative Council and Chief
Executive elections
Carrie Lam,
the Chief Executive of Hong Kong a couple of days ago, agreed to propose the
withdrawal of the extradition bill, but the people of Hong Kong are skeptical
about it, and plan to protest until all of their demands are met.
What do you
think about it?
Do you think that Hong Kong protests are going to change anything?
Have you ever been to Hong Kong?
Do you think that Hong Kong protests are going to change anything?
Have you ever been to Hong Kong?
Comments
2. If they had changed something before, then it is possible that they will do it now as well, however of course the situation is different, and the overall atmosphere around China and its trade war with the USA definitely won’t work in favour of the protesters. Asian governments and police can be ruthless. If they feel powerful enough, they can shoot people without worrying about reputation of the country. They’ve already bought USA and big number of other countries. Nobody would challenge such a rich country.
3. No, but I would love to visit Hong Kong someday, because I like big cities.
They have to try at least. If they surrender in the beginning then how could they reach their goal, it's instantly over. It's like with elections in Poland - if you didn't go, you don't have rights to complain about the situation, you just let it go without even trying.
I haven't been to Hong Kong and Asia in all but it's certainly an interesting destination to visit.
In my opinion people should fight for their rights, but they also should negotiate with government, because this is the only way to solve the conflict. Situation when somebody can’t be charged for crime is for me unacceptable, so some proper changes should be done.
2. I'm not sure if these protests can change anything. When we are talking about countries like China we need to remember that it's one of the most powerful countries in the world - both in economical and military aspects. Countries like Great Britain or United States won't support citizens of Hong Kong as they don't want to spoil their relationships with China (situation between them is already tighten) - it means that these peoples are left on their own.
Some influent people already shown their support for protestants, but these actions have their consequences. One of the NBA team's general manager showed support for Hong Kongers. Right now China's government is thinking about banning NBA transmissions and products from China. You need to know that NBA has contracts in China worth more than 4 billion dolars. Probably in few days we will hear Daryl Morey (Rocket's general manager) apologizing, as league will loss to much money.
3. No, I haven't been to Hong Kong, but maybe one day I will visit it.
2. Again as a Chinese, also the only Chinese in PJA, my comment somehow represents China, I do not want to answer to this question in public because of some political issues, I am sorry.
3. I have been to Hong Kong many times, it is a paradise full of world class architecture, fast paced life, and stylish and modern entertainment, just like Tokyo, I strongly recommend everyone to travel to Hong Kong as soon as possible before 2047.
2. I know that Hong Kong is a very important region and any destabilization has a negative impact. Therefore, a large number of protesters may not be able to be pacified and dialogue will have to take place.
3. I've never been to Hong Kong. However, I read a lot about this place because of the great job opportunities for me. The biggest problem would be the cost of housing if I decided to move there. You can earn something like 40000zl but you need to spend 30000zl just to rent some normal apartment. Multiculturalism is an advantage for expats.
2. I think this has already led to at least some changes. I would like to ask my Chinese friend about it. It works like a butterfly effect, today it is in Hong Kong, tomorrow it will affect changes in another country. So the change has already occurred, at least in the minds of people.
3. No, I have not been there yet, but really want to. Just look at the comments of Yubin, and you already want to go there!
I believe that protesters will not do much. Keep in mind that Hong Kong is influenced by China, where democracy is absent and people are not allowed to make decisions. Also external countries like USA in my opinion will not support Hongkongers cause they do not want to put themselves in uncomfortable political-economic situation.
The protesters were left alone and I keep my fingers crossed for them to enforce their rights, however as I told before I do not belevie that something will change. But still, they have to fight for their freedom and law.
Personally, I have never been to Hong Kong. I would love to go there to see a different culture in particular that my family was there and I highly recommend me such a trip.
It's difficult times for people of Hong Kong and there will be only worse i believe. I hope with all my heart that they achieve as society freedom and happiness though it cant be hard without proper help from outside.
2. Do you think that Hong Kong protests are going to change anything?
Most protest nowadays change nothing, but they get recognition all over the world and that can help to turn the tides in sometimes.
3. Have you ever been to Hong Kong?
No, i hope when i will have enough money and times will be more peacefull i will fly on a trip there.
2. The protests may or not change how things are. It highly depends on situation in the certain country. In this case however, it is really hard to say. I strongly believe that people should fight for their rights and I guess in China's case it may not be possible to fight through pure negotiations. Therefore, the protests are possibly the only way to achieve anything.
3. I've never been to Hong Kong. It has never been the biggest of my dreams. However, once it gets more peaceful and I guess that the trip there could be highly intriguing. Visiting new places and entirely different culture has high chance of providing irreplaceable experiences.
2. I don't think the protest changes anything. Despite this, the protesters carry the message all over the world, almost everyone knows about the difficult situation of Hong Kong residents. In this way they get attention very clearly and it's possible that someone from the outside will be able to help them.
3. I have never been to Hong Kong and I have no plans to go there. Maybe someday something will happen in the future that will make me change my mind.
2. I wouldn't be so sure about that, but it's definitely worth trying. I hope at least some of the demands will be met.
3. I haven't, but some day I surely will go there because I find Hong Kong a really beautiful city with outstanding architecture, which I think must be seen at least once in a lifetime.
2. Looking at the international media and the duration of the protest, the protesters have a chance to change. I doubt that all demands will be met, but I keep my fingers crossed for the protesters.
3. No, I haven't. I don't plan to visit Hong Kong, but maybe someday I will fly there.
Unfortunately I think that whatever the result of the protests would be it is only a temporary solution given that as the author mentioned Honkong " until 2047 operates as a semi-autonomous region". Maybe the protesters should thing about an alternative for their demands. for example the extradition should be motivated by the type of crime ( killing someone) and not on political reasons, because right nou the guy who killed his girlfriend has got-as i understand from the article- away with it, this kind of situatuins shouldn't be allowed either.
I would like to visit Honkong someday.
2. Yes, I think that Hong Kong protest may change something, because tide of protestors may influence on public opinion and goverment policy. Personally i appreciate peaceful protest because they can not only change our world for better but also prove their point without violence. Speaking od which, I think that Hongkongers should stand up for their ground and try to negociate with the Chinese goverment, but taking into consideration differencies between Hong Kong and Chinese mainland it may be difficult to come to agreement.
3. I have never been to Hong Kong, but it is one od my dream to visit this colorful city. I think that it will be great experience because this city offer us delicious food and rich culture.
Interested, why that man confessed that he kill her...
Do you think that Hong Kong protests are going to change anything?
Maybe protests will change something. If they scared that China can try to consume the Hong Kong, than they will do all that Hong Kong's government fulfilled their conditions.
Have you ever been to Hong Kong?
No... I have never be in Hong Kong
2. The protests show the beautiful idea of the free speech and democracy, but until more people in China decide to stand up against the regime, the Hong Kong's protests are unlikely to change anything.
3. I have never been to Hong Kong and I am not willing to change that - I do not fancy oriental countries.
2. In general, if we are talking about the people and the government that the people choose, then yes - the voice of the people should be heard. But in the actual world everything depends on the history of the country, on the mentality, on the nature of the nationality. I am not strong in the history and formation of China and I do not know whether such protests will have a result exactly in China.
3. No, I've never been to China. If there will an opportunity (in work or organized trip with competent people), then I would like to visit this country. But I have no tourist interest in Chinese culture. If I would be going to the East, I would prefer India.
2. Those protests seem to grow a large scale, so maybe they'll eventually reach some agreements, but I don't think all of the demands would be fulfilled.
3. I have never been to Hong Kong, but I would really like to. It's a fantastic example of huge agglomeration surrounded by mountains and unique architecture. The uncountable skyscrapers and western influences definitely make it worth to visit. Does somebody know if it's necessary to get a visa before visiting Hong Kong or is it open similarly to Taiwan?
1. I think that extradition is a problem in Hongkong - you can see the effects described in the article. Urgent changes are required in this matter.
2. Of course that Hong Kong protests are going to change something. Maybe not everything and not what the protesters would like, although it will lead to some changes. Sooner or later this will happen and there will be changes for the better. I hope.
3. No, I've never been to Hong Kong, but I'd love to visit it. It is a very technologically popular city and maybe I will visit it next year? Who knows? Dreams come true! :)
No and I'm not sure if I'll ever go there. At the moment I am fascinated with South America and I plan to move permanently to Mexico in March.
Hongkongers have already shown the world power of united people, when in 2003 citizens successfully fought legislation that would've punished speaking out against China.
Hope that David will defeat Goliath again.
I've never been to Hong Kong nor any other place in the far east.
In general I support protesters in Hong Kong. China isn't truly communist anymore but it is still a country ruled by a dictatorship. I think calling it a totalitarian country is not exaggeration. Censorship, beatings, no freedom of speech are most basic rules introduced by chinese government. What they do to religious and ethnic minorities is even worse. There is no doubt that this bill was just a begining and China wants to get rid of Hong Kong's status. In my opinion they are going to attempt a full annexation on Hong Kong.
2. Do you think that Hong Kong protests are going to change anything?
Sadly I doubt that. China is extremely powerful and has huge impact on international economy. Western comapnies are easily forced to censor their products or just support chinese political agenda just to get access to their market. Because of that I highly doubt that Hong Kong has a chance. After all China manages to control Tibet which is much larger and it's people also want independency and freedom. I think that sooner or later Hong Kong will be occupied by chinese forces. The only positive part of this whole situation might be that people around the world may realise how evil chinese government actually is.
3. Have you ever been to Hong Kong?
No, I have never been to Hong Kong.
Of course, protest is one of the tools for citizens to oppose the situation and, if the people are really afraid of this whole deal, let them protest. In my opinion, China will not accept this and things will only get worse.
I have never been to a Hong Kong, but I hope that someday I will go there. I like Asian culture and its food very much.
2. It is difficult to tell now. Protests that massive usually lead to some changes in country but are these changes for better or for worse is hard to predict.
3. No, I haven't.
Frankly i was never interested in politics. Neither abroad nor locally. After reading the article i think it's certainly complicated and it's ongoing for years now. It will definitely take some time for the situation to stabilize.
Do you think that Hong Kong protests are going to change anything?
I don't thing the protest will make much more difference. It is already ongoing for some time and nothing in particular was accomplished. If you look at the protests in Western countries they usually don't last for so long.
Have you ever been to Hong Kong?
I never was. But i hope in the future I'll have the opportunity to visit it.
2) I don't think it will change much. Usually, protests lead to minor changes. But in the case of China, I hope that all the demands of the protesters will be met.
3) I've never been to China. I do not plan to visit this country yet. But maybe someday I'll be there.
2. I truly believe that Hong Kong’s protests will change actual situation in the country and citizens will get the rights, they deserve to be given.
3. No, I have never been there, but I’m sure I will visit Hong Kong some day, I love travelling.
2. Considering the pace and publicity that the protest has gained, I think there is a good chance for change.
3. I have never been to Hong Kong, but I would love to visit this place during a calmer period.
2. Protests often lead to uncontrolled chaos in cities, it's up to the government to control the situation in the country and conclude their points of views even from the perspective of citizens
3. No, I haven't been to Hong Kong and propably i never will.
2. There were several protests in past years and most of them was successful, so this one could be too. I don't think all demands will be met, but I wish them not to be like that.
3. No, I have never been to Hong Kong, but I'd like to visit Asia including Hong Kong
2. Hong Kong's people are determinated to fight for their rights, but without some help from outside it would be hard to win this conflict. I think they have already gain something with these protests. The question is what
3. I have never been to Hong Kong and i dont feel like going there
I think that protests show a lot of courage and noble but in that case they are pointless and futile. This is hard situation because authority in Hong Kong is strongly dependent on authority in Pekin, and can't bend over protests and opposition. I understand fears of Hongkongers and I hope they won't have to be exterminated.
Do you think that Hong Kong protests are going to change anything?
No, unfortunately protests in that case won't change anything. China want to expand their power and they do it gradually and constantly. Hong Kong is already under their influence.
Have you ever been to Hong Kong?
No, I have never been in Hong Kong but I wish to go there in the near future.
3) No.
2. It is possible, maybe not all requests but something can succeed.
3. No, I prefer to drive far from civilization.
If they won’t give up on their demands there is a big chance that they will succeed.
No, I have never been to Hong Kong.
I have never been to Hong Kong, but I have been to China, and I felt the power from the country. To them Hong Kong is nothing but the province.
2. Unfortunately i think that it's not goning to happen.
3. No I haven't and after reading this post i don't think i will.
2. It's possible. I think that smaller entities such as Hong Kong or eg. Switzerland it's easier to force authorities to do something that the public opinion wants.
3. no i have never been to Hong Kong.
2. That is a question hard to answer, but for sure, there won't be able to do anything with just sitting and observing how things might go. There's need to be an action, but they need to choose the way how they wanna do it.
3. Just looking by photos of the city you can tell that it's special city. There are not so many places with that climate and for sure going there must be a tremendous moment. I would love to spend some time right there to taste the culture and just admire.
2. Honk Kong citizens are protesting in a just cause. They don't trust Chinese justice and feel that the central government is gradually limiting Hong Kong's autonomy. In my opinion, the protesters will not give up until all their demands are met. The latest escalation of protests and violence that took palce on October 4th was caused by a ban on covering the face during demonstrations. Let's hope that the situation will improve without the need for more force and violence, although it will require a lot of talk and a lot of willingness to resolve the conflict by both demonstrators and the government.
3. I've never been to Hong Kong. I would like to visit this region of Asia. I hope that when it happens the situation will be much peaceful.
2. I guess they will in the end. But at what cost? Most probably, the cost of a thousands of broken lives.
3. I’ve never been to Hong Kong and I don’t really want to. I love Asian countries actually; Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, a lot of them are beautiful and interesting, but China (and it’s just my opinion) always seemed to me very dirty and grey.
The situation that is happening in Honkkon shows that people are becoming aware.
They begin to fight for their rights, in this case they do so by means of numerous protests.
Unfortunately, the Chinese government is not willing to change and help its citizens.
As for the last question, I've never been to China but I'd love to visit this country.
2. I highly doubt that protests of any kind can change anything related to PRC as it's currently simply too strong. I don't see any way to change situation of anything related to China besides Third World War, which I think no one wants. Only thing they can do is bring attention of outside world to the problem with which they can't do anything. Despite all that 'independent' Hong Kong is very important both for EU and USA, so I assume that when time will come extending SAR status will become hot topic.
3. No. Actually, I haven't been to any asian country yet, but I'm sure I'll visit some of them in future, and China would be a must be place to see. Their current political situation aside, this country has really beautiful history and fascinating culture. Of course Hong Kong would be a mandatory part of such trip as well.
1. I think it is a big thing. It is all about regions autonomy. What is more important in China the leading is Communists and their system do not allowed to make oppositions like this. The whole world was looking what is happening there and noone actually was taking part in China, because they are one of the strongest country in the world. I supported this people who were fighitng for their rigths.
2. No, I am sure the will not change anything, as I wrote in the 1 question. The authority has to change if they want to change something.
3. I was in China, but not in honk-kong. I visited Pekin last year. It was a trip of my life.