The Winds Have Changed Directions in Hong Kong

 The Winds Have Changed Directions in Hong Kong

China Times Editorial (Taipei, Taiwan)

November 18, 2019

 Translation of an Excerpt

The crisis in Hong Kong has been escalating; black-shirted demonstrators, in order to hijack the public "to be forced to boycott classes", "to be forced to strike", "to be forced to close shops", barricaded roads, set fires, threw Molotov cocktails, beat up those with different views, and confronted the police everywhere. The city that used to be known as the "Pearl of the Orient" has become a city of bloody violence, with people's personal safety and order in daily life being greatly threatened. Part of the members of the public are longing for law and order, beginning to urge the mobsters to withdraw from university campuses, and some, on their own initiative, came out to help remove the barricades; PLA troops, in plain clothes, left their barracks to clear the debris from the roads, helping resume traffic. Hong Kong’s press opinions have generally reacted positively, and Hong Kong’s winds are changing directions.

Over the situation of incessant violence in Hong Kong, Beijing still remains restrained, only letting the Office of Hong Kong and Macau Affairs under the State Council, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R., and the official media outlets issue statements. From the opposition over the amendment bill to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance to introducing "five appeals", the Hong Kong public's moves in pursuit of the rule of law and democracy have their legitimacy in idealism, also a foundation in the “Basic Law”; most people have adhered to the principle of persevering in the rule of law. Nevertheless, the "militant faction" radical protesters have been oblivious to law and order, endlessly employing violent and destructive actions. Not only have the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong been harmed, but even the hardcore values ​​of its citizens have been trampled upon. Hong Kong’s society has virtually become "hostage" hijacked by radical demonstrators, rocking the foundation of the rule of law, as well as its status of an economic hub and an international financial center; its prospects have been viewed with pessimism.

With regard to the Hong Kong question, KMT presidential candidate Han Kuo-yu recently introduced his advocacy of ​​"anti-Hong Kong independence" and "supporting the duel direct elections”, indeed hitting the nail on the head, with his stance being stern, just, and pragmatic. Although Hong Kong is a tiny city, it still has irreplaceable value for the Mainland, and Hong Kongers, out of historical factors in the distant past and various recent factors, find it extremely difficult to smoothly and fully implement the “one country, two systems” in the first place, thus, a macro, far-reaching strategy to cope with the situation is needed. Through this crisis, Beijing must have clearly seen through that if Hong Kong loses its control, it will inevitably become a big loophole in the country's national security, thus it should perfect the national security system and capabilities for Hong Kong as soon as possible. On the other hand, a high degree of autonomy is also a persistent pursuit Hong Kongers will never concede; Beijing must confront the difficulties, engage in consultations with patience, and gradually reach its goal, so as to erect a solid bedrock for the coexistence of two systems within one country.

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