The Silence after Protest; The Evolution of Chinese Hong Kong

Описание: Hong Kong became a British colony after the Treaty of Nanking in 1842, following the First Opium War. Additional territories were added in 1860 (Kowloon Peninsula) and 1898 (New Territories under a 99-year lease). Under British rule, Hong Kong evolved into a major international financial center and trading hub, with a strong rule of law and free-market economy. Under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, Britain agreed to return Hong Kong to China. The "One Country, Two Systems" principle was established, allowing Hong Kong to retain its autonomy, legal system, and freedoms for 50 years (until 2047). On July 1, 1997, sovereignty was transferred to China. Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR). Hong Kong continued to prosper economically but faced challenges like the 1998 Asian Financial Crisis and the SARS epidemic in 2003.

Since 2003, major protests began, including the 2003 anti-Article 23 demonstration and the 2014 Umbrella Movement, demanding universal suffrage.

In 2019, Triggered by a controversial extradition bill, millions protested over perceived erosion of autonomy and freedoms. In 2020, National Security Law is introduced. International criticism grew, with countries like the U.S. and UK accusing China of violating the Joint Declaration. Since that, democratic institutions have been weakened, with many opposition figures jailed or exiled. Hong Kong remains a financial hub but faces competition from cities like Shanghai and concerns over its diminishing freedoms. Many Hongkongers have emigrated, fearing political persecution, while others continue to adapt under China's governance.

So, the debates continue is: Is China take control of Hong Kong vs Hong Kong follows western style of democracy? Singapore’s founding father gave his opinion on the democracy. You can watch what he said at Hong Kong University in 1992.

Now, Hong Kong is still developed, but the city’s cultural and political landscape is more closely aligned with the mainland.

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