Defying calls to disperse and seeming hell-bent on making definite gains from their protests against Beijing, pro-democracy demonstrations seem to be widening in Hong Kong. Democracy is the operative word in this tussle between the people and government. Beijing’s decision to limit, and in some cases curb, reforms in what is perceived worldwide to be Asia’s financial hub is being met with renewed obstinacy and at some point there can be a breach of patience on either side unless mutually acceptable dialogues are worked out.
There is no doubt that the rising chain of objections against the Communist Party’s monopoly on power is Hong Kong’s sternest yet. The people are clamouring for the right to be given a ‘real choice’ rather than having a chief executive shoved down their throats. Many notable business houses have also overtly weighed in on this issue, predicting a rocky road ahead given that the island is positioned both geographically and politically as a bridge between the mainland and the developed world. Stability is the foundation for a positive business environment. Taking away that component could well be Beijing’s gain in the short run but, conversely, it could shape a common judgement that the island may not be the most secure business hub in the world and in Asia. Beijing should, perhaps, see the values of peaceful coexistence. Hong Kong is unique and maybe it must remain so. Chinese President Xi Jinping must reflect on the writing that is on the wall — the markets are down and businesses and banks are closed since the commencement of the students’ protests.
This impasse could be a long-term fixture unless mutually acceptable terms are drawn up between the authorities and the inhabitants. It is not difficult to gauge Beijing’s paranoia. Bestowing a democratic environment to Hong Kong could see protests being sparked off in other sensitive parts of mainland China, but they should refer to and honour the ‘one country, two systems’ commitment — which is enjoyed by Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan — under which China decolonised Hong Kong from Britain in 1997. For many observers, domestic and international, this would be the easiest quick fix.
