Literally on the other side of the world, Hong Kong seems too distant and far removed to capture our attention, but Hong Kong is quite relevant with some poignant lessons for all freedom loving people. Occasionally making news in the West, Hong Kong’s long hot wet summer has been marked by regular protests for freedom. Hundreds of thousands of the 7.4 million residents have been hitting the streets every weekend. Beijing is none too happy with Hong Kong and steadily clamping down, but this drama portends particular peril for Hong Kong and will expose the truly harsh oppressive nature of China for all the world to see.
Hong Kong became a British territory in 1842. The Royal Navy coveted its excellent natural harbor and it was a perfect depot for Britain’s exponentially expanding global trade. In 1898, Great Britain entered in to a 99 year lease with China for Hong Kong. Over the next century, Hong Kong became the trading and finance capital of Asia. Supremely stable under British rule, Hong Kong attracted all manner of foreign investment and even robust manufacturing. Hong Kong is the capitalist mecca and lonely light of liberty in the orient.
In 1984, Great Britain and China agreed on a process to return Hong Kong to China when the lease expired in 1997. China astutely recognized the magnificent wealth of Hong Kong and tremendous potential of capitalism, so wanting the golden eggs, they refrained from choking the golden goose. China agreed to grant Hong Kong semi-autonomy where they could continue to rule themselves and of course make money, but they could not exercise any foreign policy and they ultimately answered to Beijing.
China still solidly embraces communism, but even on the mainland they have allowed carefully controlled pockets of capitalism because after all they have to feed over a billion people. China realizes only capitalism can produce the wealth they need, but they cannot afford the freedom that naturally comes with capitalism. So China walks a tight rope allowing certain government sanctioned entrepreneurs, but make no mistake, the Chinese government has ultimate control. They have developed a hybrid fascism controlling the means of production with a long leash, but keeping the people under a heavy boot.
Hong Kong largely continues business uninterrupted, but their government is closely monitored by Beijing. The “Basic Law” instituted in 1997 is a concept that allows “one country, two systems” for 50 years. The Hong Kong Chief Executive is appointed by Beijing and the Legislative Council is elected by Hong Kong. The Basic Law is supposed to allow eventual “universal suffrage” of both executive and legislative, but China has not allowed it which has caused great concern in Hong Kong.
The current conflict erupted because China is trying to implement new extradition procedures that allows Hong Kong residents to be extradited to China. This is not a criminal issue, but rather a political issue so China can deal with dissidents directly. Folks in Hong Kong rightly recognize this as a severe encroachment on their freedom of assembly and speech. China is quite happy for Hong Kong to make money, but they will not tolerate them making political statements. However, China is patient; they will slowly suffocate freedom in Hong Kong with incremental tightening. It may be slow, but it is certain death for freedom.
Americans should take two lessons from Hong Kong: first, China is undeniably cruel, dictatorial, and power hungry; and second, freedom is worth fighting for. China presents a strong face to the world, but they preside over a gargantuan seething pot of humanity. China can only maintain order by severely oppressing their people, but their economy is stumbling. Some Chinese have tasted prosperity and many more thirst for liberty. China’s situation is more tenuous that they let on, so any economic disruption could be catastrophic. That’s why Trump’s trade war is a vital struggle. We need it to back down their predatory trade practices to protect our sovereignty, but it may also force China to loosen their grip on their people.
Hong Kong is also teaching us lesson in liberty. Under reported in the media, Hong Kong protesters routinely wave American flags and sing our national anthem. They still view America as the beacon of freedom in the world! Quite flattering, but they remind us that we are the protectors of freedom on the planet – we should act like it. President Trump and the American people should at least offer unreserved moral support for Hong Kong. For now China is trying to quash the Hong Kong protestors with propaganda and some not so subtle government thugs, but unless there is outrage from the world, they will eventually crush them Tiananmen style.
Hong Kong is the canary in the mine. Americans must speak out more forcefully. Don’t let China smother freedom in Hong Kong; they will not stop there. Pray for Hong Kong and all freedom loving people.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1
