Putting Hong Kong's protests down with the army would not reinforce China's stability and prosperity. It would jeopardise them
What began as a movement against an extradition bill, which would have let criminal suspects in Hong Kong be handed over for trial by party-controlled courts in mainland China, has evolved into the biggest challenge from dissenters since Tiananmen. Activists are renewing demands for greater democracy in the territory. Some even want Hong Kong’s independence from China. Still more striking is the sheer size and persistence of the mass of ordinary people.
The rhetoric is designed to scare the protesters off the streets. And yet the oppressive nature of Xi Jinping’s regime, the Communist Party’s ancient terror of unrest in the provinces and its historical willingness to use force, all point to the danger of something worse. If China were to send in the army, once an unthinkable idea, the risks would be not only to the demonstrators.
With or without bloodshed, an intervention would undermine business confidence in Hong Kong and with it the fortunes of the many Chinese companies that rely on its stockmarket to raise capital. Hong Kong’s robust legal system, based on British common law, still makes it immensely valuable to a country that lacks credible courts of its own.
Hong Kong has already become a factor in the cold war that is developing between China and America. China is enraged by the high-level reception given in recent weeks to leading members of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy camp during visits to Washington. Their meetings with senior officials and members of Congress have been cited by China as evidence that America is a “black hand” behind the unrest, using it to pile pressure on the party as it battles with America over trade .
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Chinese Troops in Hong Kong Keep Low Profile but Stand ReadyChina has stationed an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 People’s Liberation Army troops in Hong Kong, and recent military drills have raised the specter of their intervening to quell demonstrations, although the possibility is widely seen as remote.
Baca lebih lajut »
Chinese official says Hong Kong facing biggest crisis since 1997Hong Kong is facing its biggest crisis since it returned from British to Chinese...
Baca lebih lajut »
The Wife Cake Emerges as a Symbol of Resistance During the Hong Kong ProtestsWife cake isn't just a treat, but a way to pay tribute to the pride of Yuen Long and reclaim the district’s dignity amid protests against China's extradition bill
Baca lebih lajut »
Beijing calls Hong Kong protesters 'arrogant lunatics,' warns of government's 'immense force'Beijing issued its sharpest warning so far to Hong Kong protesters, calling them “arrogant lunatics” who should not underestimate the central government’s “immense force,” but did not take any new measures to control the situation.
Baca lebih lajut »
United States issues travel advisory over Hong Kong protestsThe United States has become the latest country to issue a travel warning over Hong Kong's ongoing protests, which have at times turned violent and seen parts of the city brought to a standstill.
Baca lebih lajut »