Tsang Angry at WSJ's Editorial -- Again

Tsang complains about WSJ editorial second time in a month

Constitutional affairs minister Erick Tsang Kwok-wai complained yet again to the Wall Street Journal about its editorial on Sunday's Legislative Council election, describing it as a "sham poll", and accusing the newspaper of "arrogance which knows no bounds".

It is the second time in a month that Tsang sent a strongly worded letter to complain the New York-based newspaper must correct its "inaccuracies".

"I am sickened by your biased and unsubstantiated editorials on Hong Kong issues and have given up hope that you will ever try to report accurately and fairly on Hong Kong," Tsang wrote in a letter dated on December 23.

Tsang (second left) retorts NY's voter turn out low

The opinion piece was titled: "Democracy Boycott in Hong Kong", which was published hours after voting closed on the first poll following the massive revamp of the electoral system.

The newspaper described the Legislative Council election as "a sham poll" in which democratic candidates were blocked from running", adding that "all candidates must receive Communist Party approval".

How is the second part incorrect? Because it was one-sided, the democratic candidates did not feel it was worth throwing their hats into the ring.

Tsang compared the poll's 30.2 percent turnout -- the lowest since 1997 -- to the 23 percent recorded in the recent New York mayoral contest, and the 33.3 percent of this year's French regional elections.''

"Following the logic of your argument, would you also suggest that 'almost nobody came to the election' in those two elections?" Tsang asked.

This is where Western countries have to be ashamed for their poor voter turnout, whereas in Australia you must vote otherwise you will be fined.

Only one non pro-Beijing candidate won

He also refers to a line in the editorial which said the news paper "seems to have a better feel for Hong Kong public sentiment than the government does", to which the minister countered: "I wonder how many times you have visited our city for you to be able to make such a claim. I am stunned by your arrogance which knows no bounds".

Earlier this month Tsang threatened to "take necessary action" against the WSJ over an editorial that he claimed incited residents to boycott the election or cast blank votes.

An opinion piece the following day disputed Tsang's December 6 letter and said he "seemed oblivious to the irony" when he started that Hong Kong upheld freedom of speech, the press and publication.

Tsang's knee-jerk reaction is so shrill and emotional, it's hard to take him that seriously...

Democracy with Chinese Characteristics

The results of the Legco election came out this morning

Yesterday's Legislative Council election was a foregone conclusion. As expected, the pro-Beijing camp swept all the seats except one in a "patriots only" overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system.

Only 30.2 percent of people cast votes, or 1.35 million, a record low since 1997. The last Legco election saw 58.3 percent of eligible residents head to the polls in 2016. 

Rowse was genuinely disappointed

There were some high-profile candidates in the race, including Allan Zeman, best known for developing Lan Kwai Fong into an entertainment district decades ago, and Mike Rowse, a former government official. The latter seemed really disappointed that he did not win a seat, saying that the Liaison Office had picked him and Zeman to win.

"My impression is that the central government was genuinely pleased with the diversity of candidates. It may share my disappointment that none were successful," he said.

Perhaps Rowse should have known the two of them represented the "diversity" part of the election, and that with most of the voters being elderly, there would be a very slim chance an English speaker would get more votes than he did.

In any event, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) is the biggest pro-Beijing party in the city, and it naturally won big, with a seat in each of the 10 geographical constituencies. 

One of its winners is Edward Leung-hei in Hong Kong Island East, who had campaigned to have an MTR station at Sai Wan Ho where there is already one since 1985, the same year he was born.

Leung won in Hong Kong Island East

Reverend Canon Peter Koon Ho-ming, who is best known for shielding the young man who killed his girlfriend in Taiwan that sparked the extradition bill and the protests that followed, has won a seat as a member of the election committee constituency. He is the first religious leader to join the legislature.

The only non pro-establishment candidate was Tik Chi-yuen, who founded the self-declared centrist party called Third Side. He won in the social welfare functional constituency.

Tik said he was surprised supporters of the pan-democratic camp had refused to vote this time, but vowed to keep his chin up despite the prospect of facing 89 opponents in the legislature alone.

"The pan-democratic bloc has always been the minority in Legco and they have never won when it comes to voting [on bills]," the 63-year-old said. "But I am sure I can still exert my influence and get the government to listen to me."

Tik is the only non pro-establishment to win seat

We wish him luck.

Just as the results were trickling in today, Beijing released its white paper titled: "Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems."

The report said the Communist Party of China "has championed whole process people's democracy in China, and this has laid the groundwork for developing democracy in Hong Kong under the framework of One Country, Two Systems."

"Over the past century, the CPC has led the Chinese people on a long and arduous journey to establish a model of democracy with Chinese characteristics", enabling them "to run their own country with extensive and substantive democratic rights," it states.

To put an end to the months of anti-government protests in Hong Kong, Xinhua news agency quoted the white paper as saying the CPC and Beijing took measures to restore order, returning the city's democratic process to a sound footing.

"With their political vision, the CPC and the Chinese government are certain of the long-term success of the socialist system on the mainland," the white paper said.

Beijing's white paper on HK's democracy overhaul

"They are equally certain of the long-term success of both the capitalist system in Hong Kong and a form of democracy suited to its realities."

With "improvements to the electoral system", the paper concludes, "governance by patriots will be further strengthened, rule of law and the business environment will continue to improve, and Hong Kong will become a more harmonious society".

It definitely sounds like democracy with Chinese characteristics.

It's pretty certain Beijing has been eager to present to the world its own version of democracy through this election and the ones to come, to prove that it brings peace and stability to the city.

With almost all the pro-democratic activists and lawmakers in jail or waiting trial or in exile, it's no doubt China's version of democracy will prevail.

But will it bring about a harmonious society? Perhaps the increasing emigration numbers are a sign...

JPMorgan's Dimon Regrets Joking about CPC

Last week Dimon boasted JPMorgan would outlast the CPC 

There are jokes going around on social media about how the JPMorgan corporate communications department is now facing its biggest crisis management yet -- their CEO Jamie Dimon boasting that the investment bank will outlast the Chinese Communist Party.

He made the remarks on Tuesday this week at a Boston college series of CEO interviews.

"I made a joke the other day that the Communist Party is celebrating its 100th year -- so it JPMorgan. I'd make a bet that we last longer. 

Dimon visited Hong Kong quarantine free

"I can't say that in China. They are probably listening anyway," he added.

Can someone say oops to the infinitesimal degree?

Dimon said this while the Wall Street bank won regulatory approval in August to become the first full foreign owner of a securities brokerage in the country. 

The next day he quickly apologised in a statement: "I regret and should not have made that comment. I was trying to emphasise the strength and longevity of our company."

Uh huh.

And to further drive the message home, in another statement added: "It's never right to joke about or denigrate any group of people, whether it's a country, its leadership, or any part of a society and culture. Speaking in that way can take away from constructive and thoughtful dialogue in society, which is needed now more than ever."

On social media, the Twitterverse wondered how much Dimon would grovel for forgiveness from the Chinese, or that JPMorgan bankers could finally quit their jobs and set up that boutique hotel they'd always been dreaming about.

Hu says CPC far more successful than JPMorgan

As expected the Chinese were not impressed.

When asked about Dimon's comments in a news conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian replied: "Why the publicity stunt with some grandstanding remarks?"

Hu Xijin, chief editor of the Global Times tweeted: "You don't have to regret actually. The CPC has succeeded in its sphere far more than JPMorgan's. As a member of the CPC, I don't mind your company riding the wave of CPC's popularity."

Meanwhile Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor must have regretted approving Dimon's quarantine exemption last week when he visited the city for 32 hours via private jet. 

We wait with baited breath on what the fall out will be... 

RTHK Becoming State Media

Lam (centre) at launch of CMG's 100th anniversary programs

 

Radio Television Hong Kong has been pretty much gutted into a shell (of its former self) in renovation speak -- ready to be remade into the form of a news outlet that is approved by Beijing. In other words, state-controlled media.

Earlier this week Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced that RTHK will build a long-term alliance with state-owned China Media Group and air more television content produced on the mainland in a bid to boost patriotism in the city.

Xi awarded medals to war veterans on July 1

China Media Group includes China Central Television (CCTV),  China National Radio, and China Radio International. CMG is controlled by the Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party.

The local broadcaster on channel TV31 will be running more dramas and documentaries produced by CCTV. 

She said the programs "offer a crucial opportunity to let Hong Kong people have a comprehensive and thorough understanding of the struggle and development of the Communist Party of China and nurture a stronger sense of patriotism".

Lam praised the quality of the programing, even adding: "I am also a fan of CCTV."

Where can people sign up to join the CCTV fan club?

So far TV31 has run programs like Awarding Ceremony of July 1 Medals, when President Xi Jinping bestowed honours on outstanding party members and war veterans. There's another called The Great Journey, documenting major moments in the history of the party. And there are other documentaries, like Masters of the Forbidden City and Asia-Pacific War Crimes Trials.

Masters of the Forbidden City

Riveting viewing.

In the future, Lam said, RTHK will make more programs aimed at promoting national security, Greater Bay Area development, and the country's 14th five-year plan "in order to help Hong Kong citizens understand Chinese culture and the country's latest developments".

In the last several years television has become irrelevant with people streaming shows online and watching them on their laptops and mobile phones.

It'll be interesting to see if it is difficult to find staff to produce this kind of content, and also what audience numbers are like when these state-produced shows are airing full time...

Jackie Chan Wants CCP Membership

Jackie Chan is a member of the CPPCC but not the CCP

 

This may be shocking to discover, but action superstar Jackie Chan is not a card-carrying Communist Party member.

He revealed his interest in joining the Party during a symposium organized by the China Film Association last Thursday in Beijing. Chan, 67, told the attendees that when he's abroad, he often says that he's "proud of being Chinese".

Chan sang in the Bird's Nest on July 1

"I also envy that you are Communist Party members, I think the Communist Party is just great, what the Communist Party says, what they promised, will always be delivered within a few decades," he said.

"I want to be a Communist Party member, thank you," he added, to thunderous applause.

However, many people online mocked Chan's wish, saying he was unworthy of party membership.

They referred to his extramarital affair with Hong Kong actress Elaine Ng in 1999, with whom he had a daughter, Etta Ng Chok-lam. Ng raised the daughter on her own in China, but then disowned her when Etta came out as lesbian when she was 17 years old. She married her partner in 2018 in Canada.

Jaycee Chan was jailed in 2014 for marijuana

And then Chan's son, Jaycee was arrested and jailed in 2014 for possession and distribution of marijuana during a drug bust in his apartment in Beijing.

He was sentenced to six months in jail and served the full sentence.

Jackie Chan has definitely demonstrated his patriotism over the years, and for it he has been a member of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference, largely made up of Communist Party members.

On July 1, he took part in the Communist Party's centennial celebrations at the National Stadium nicknamed "the Bird's Nest", singing a rendition of the patriotic classic, Defending the Yellow River, composed during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Chan can no longer count on Hongkongers to be his fans anymore either after he gave an interview with state media in 2019. He spoke out about the anti-government protests, calling them "sad and depressing", and said he hoped Hong Kong "can return to peace soon".

Etta Ng (left) married her partner in 2018

He was also criticized in 2009 for his comments about the pro-democracy movement. "I'm not sure if it's good to have freedom or not," he said at the time. "I'm really confused now. If you're too free, you're like the way Hong Kong is now. It's very chaotic. Taiwan is also very chaotic."

Poor Jackie. No one wants to have anything to do with him...

The New Normal on July 1

At noon the police shut down Victoria Park, occupying it

 

Today is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.

Well it's really July 23, 1921, but we like to keep things simple so it's July 1 from now on.

Officers check ID and film people's faces

And it's the first anniversary of the national security law implemented in Hong Kong!

To ensure there's no problems today, 10,000 police officers were out on the streets, particularly in Causeway Bay, setting up temporary tents as frisking stations taking up the places where grass roots organizations would have set up street booths to promote their causes.

Not only did the police check people's ID cards, but also asked them to remove their masks in order to video recorded their faces. This is the new reality along with Hong Kong without Apple Daily.

And to make sure no one gathered in nearby Victoria Park, the police shut it down, shooing everyone away, from young footballers to domestic helpers. This is the second time the force has closed the park down, since June 4. In other years people would have filled the pitches for the annual July 1 protest march, but it seems there will be no more peaceful demonstrations of any kind.

Grandma Wong carrying UK flag was arrested

Even Alexandra Wong Fung-yiu or "Grandma Wong" waving the British flag was surrounded by cops and arrested. 

One boy was chased down in a shopping mall by police and was terrified, the media pack following behind, reminiscent of the 2019 protests to ensure they documented everything. Thank goodness the boy was let go and led away by concerned bystanders.

What is Hong Kong turning into?

By the way Civil Service Secretary Patrick Nip Tak-yuen said it would be an "overstatement" that the city has turned into a police state, with John Lee Ka-chiu moving from the security portfolio to Chief Secretary, while police chief Chris Tang Ping-keung becomes the new Secretary for Security.

"It is an overstatement. We have a team of political appointees in different bureaus. we have clerical staff and officers in the disciplinary forces in the civil service. We have different backgrounds and experiences. So comments like this are basically incorrect," he said.

Wong says he's speaking out before going to jail

So how does he explain the 10,000 cops on the streets then?

Meanwhile the League of Social Democrats managed to setup a booth under a flyover in Causeway Bay, though the police were standing by. Raphael Wong told the media: "I can't say what will happen tomorrow, and I will be in jail next month... but as long as there is an available platform, the League of Social Democrats will continue to speak out."

Brave man.

Hong Kong has changed so much in the last two years and now everyday seems to be a "new normal"...

July 1 March Cancelled for Second Year

The July 1, 2019 march is the last of the annual marches in HK

The annual July 1 march will be cancelled for a second year, with the police force citing the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as the reason.

Up until last year it was the Civil Human Rights Front that had organized the marches since 2003, but this year announced it had disbanded as several of its prominent members, including its convenor, Figo Chan Ho-wun were in jail, and the police investigating the legality of its existence.

As a result, three civic groups decided to carry on the mantle and apply for police approval for the march that was scheduled for Thursday.

The League of Social Democrats, Tin Shui Wai Connection, and Save Lantau Alliance applied to hold the march that would coincide with the 24th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong to China. As expected their application was not approved.

The national security law is one year old in HK

"The police have reasons to believe that holding the activities would not just increase the risk of participants and other citizens getting infected, it would also pose grave threats to the lives and health of all citizens, endangering public safety and affecting the rights of others," the force said in its rejection letter.

The police added that officers had discussed the proposed arrangements for the march with the organizers, but believe that adding certain restrictions "would not help to ensure public order, public safety and protecting other people's rights and freedoms".

Perhaps what the force is alluding to is that Beijing doesn't want any kind of dissent on display that day.

That's because July 1 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. It's actually on July 23, 1921, but it's the same month...

And it will also mark the first anniversary of the implementation of the national security law, so lots to celebrate this year.

The Communist Party celebrates 100 years

However Eddie Tse Sai-kit of Save Lantau Alliance is not convinced of the force's explanation.

"The government has already relaxed the number of people allowed to gather indoors. Why not outdoors?"

He also noted the promotions of John Lee Ka-chiu to Chief Secretary and Chris Tang Ping-keung to Secretary of Security as being hardliners.

"Why is the government so scared of letting people voice their concerns on the streets?"

While these are good points, security trumps all in times of big anniversaries for China. 

Even though the three groups plan to appeal the ban on Tuesday evening, they are probably going to be rejected again.

These groups deserve kudos for trying to do their bit for civil society, but it seems this year was not to be...

Hong Kong Becoming a Police State?

Lam swears in new lieutenants: Siu, Lee and Tang

Just as Hongkongers were mourning the end of Apple Daily, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor announced a cabinet shuffle with a government that will have an emphasis on law and order.

That's because Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu is now the new Chief Secretary, while police chief Chris Tang Ping-keung has taken over Lee's portfolio. Tang's deputy, Raymond Siu Chak-yee is promoted to police chief. 

Lee (left) replaces Cheung as Chief Secretary

In a formal announcement, Lam thanked Matthew Cheung Kin-chung for his almost 50 years serving the government, the last four years as Chief Secretary.

Just yesterday it had been announced that Lam and senior officials would fly to Beijing on July 1 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, and that Cheung would be in charge of Hong Kong. But that was not the case.

Lam dismissed concerns that Lee did not have policy experience that was crucial in the Chief Secretary role, where his portfolio includes education, welfare, food and health, and housing and transport.

Beijing has approved all three appointments ahead of crucial political events ahead in Hong Kong, including elections, the 25th anniversary of the handover of the city to China, and passing another piece of security legislation, Article 23.

Tang talking to officers during the protests

It seems Lee and Tang are rewarded for their handling of the 2019 anti-government protests, though Lee was never held accountable for the failure of passing the extradition bill.

After the announcement, reporters asked lawmaker Alice Mak Mei-kuen, from the Federation of Trade Unions, if Hong Kong was turning into a police state.

"If it's a police state, why not? I don't think there's any problem with a police state. When we say a police state, I will view the other side, that is the emphasis on security," she said.

"In the past our society has experienced severe threats from violent factions. So I think security is an issue in our society. So if someone from the police discipline can help to govern Hong Kong, can help to maintain law and order in Hong Kong, why not?"

Mak says nothing wrong with a police state

So Asia's World City has now become a police state. Wonder how the Hong Kong Tourism Board will promote the city now...

Learning Cantopop 101

Each day of the year has a Cantopop milestone

 

I met up with a friend today for lunch and then afterwards we went to the fifth floor of Times Square in Causeway Bay where there is an exhibition called Cantopop 101.

Apparently there are three different shows tied to this, dividing Cantopop into different time periods from the 1980s to the 1990s, 1990s to the 2000s, and 2000s to 2010s.

On the exhibition boards made of particle board are clipboards, each with a piece of paper attached to it representing one day, so there are 365 of these sheets of paper, each hung by a clipboard. Each piece of paper meticulously charts what happened in the Hong Kong music scene on that day in different years.

Photos of Cantopop artist Joyce Cheng Yan-yee

It could be a particular singer was born, or a group was first formed, someone's first single was released, a concert was held, or someone died.

It's quite an impressive compilation of Cantopop trivia, but also I'm sure it evokes a lot of memories for people who grew up in these decades and listened to these artists.

There are a few Polaroid shots of artists today and they are signed. They aren't formal portraits, casual and fun.

In the middle of the room are some colourful stools. My friend told me that on specific days artists will come in and perform a "silent concert" where attendees wear headphones to listen. All the concerts have sold out already.

The curator of the show is Colin Mak, a DJ with 90.3FM. The exhibition includes a telephone booth-sized recording studio where attendees can record their feelings about the show and the best ones will be aired on his show.

The aforementioned compilation of the sheets of paper for every day of the year? They have also been made into a book, only 903 copies (the same number as the radio station 90.3), and they were sold out in minutes.

Cantopop memories in shape of tree

This shows how much people love Cantopop, how it has defined who they are, how much they want to preserve it, and worry about its future.

With the Communist Party recently bearing down on Hong Kong when it comes to movies and art, it won't be long before it impacts music, literature, plays, dance and operas.

There is also talk of encouraging more Mandarin to be used in Hong Kong... so what will happen to Cantopop?

A beautiful black and white graphic on the wall shows important musical milestones that start from 1931 and like rings on a tree, grow wider and wider, ending at around 2010. What will happen to this tree after 2021? Will it continue to grow or will it be chopped down soon?

Cantopop 101

Until July 1

Shop 5017-519, 5/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street

Causeway Bay

 

HK May Never be able to Mark June 4 Vigil Again

2019 candelight vigil may have been the last in Hong Kong

 

Hong Kong may never be able to mark the June 4 Tiananmen Massacre with a candlelight vigil ever again, now that the national security law was passed at the end of June last year.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Movements of China submitted its application for the use of Victoria Park to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department today, but hours later it said the application would not be processed, citing the coronavirus pandemic.

This year would have been the 32nd year of marking the event, the only large-scale public commemoration of the 1989 bloody crackdown in Beijing.

Last year people defied the police and gathered

In its statement the LCSD said: "In accordance with the latest Covid-19 situation, we have suspended the processing of bookings for our leisure and recreational venues for undesignated uses until further notice. We have also informed the [alliance] of the arrangement."

However, Richard Tsoi Yu-cheong, secretary of the alliance, said it had not received formal notice from the department, and its members would meet to discuss their next step.

"The Covid-19 situation has shown signs of easing and the government has also reopened many venues to the public. I find this ban on Covid-19 grounds a bit strange," Tsoi said.

Indeed.

The vigil was also cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

Nevertheless there are other possible reasons.

The group advocates for the end of "one-party dictatorship" which could make it run afoul of the national security law.

Lam says HKers should respect the ruling CPC

When Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was asked about the legality of the vigil during her weekly meeting with the media, she replied: "It depends greatly on what is going to happen at the gathering, whether participants fall into offences prohibited by the national security law."

While she stressed Hong Kong has a high degree of autonomy based on "one country, two systems", the city must respect the constitution.

"The constitution clearly spells out that socialism with Chinese characteristics is led by the Chinese Communist Party," she said.

"[Therefore] with the premise that we should respect the constitution, we should also respect the ruling Chinese Communist Party."

She added whether disrespect for the party constituted a crime, that would depend on relevant laws, evidence, and actions taken.

Last year Victoria Park was locked up for 6/4

But Chow Hang-tung, vice-chairwoman of the alliance, said the group would not abandon its call for the "end of one-party dictatorship" which it had made for 30 years.

"If we are genuinely fighting for democracy, there is no way we would agree with one-party dictatorship," she said, as she submitted the application to hold the vigil on June 4 to police.

Chow, who is a barrister, added it was impossible for the alliance to have a clear understanding of what was allowed under the national security law and what was forbidden, given what she called the legislation's moving red line.

"We can only act based on our principles, not on any legal advice," she said.

While Chow has some points the government should clarify, it's sadly a losing battle. The government will do some creative verbal gymnastics to explain why the vigil can't be held this year despite announcing today that there will be "vaccine bubbles" for those who have at least gotten one jab, and more privileges for those who have received two doses when visiting restaurants, bars, nightclubs and karaoke lounges. All these are indoors, and in some cramped spaces.

The annual candlelight vigil is outdoors, so why can't people attend wearing a mask?

 

Hong Kong's Eroding Freedoms

New Zealand, Switzerland and Hong Kong are the top three

 

The Fraser Institute describes itself as an independent, non-partisan research and educational organization with its headquarters in Vancouver, Canada.

Every year it releases its Human Freedom Index, and surprisingly for 2020 Hong Kong is third on the list -- for the third year in a row; in 2017 it was second after Switzerland.

The HFI measures personal freedom, which includes freedom of movement, speech, assembly and religion, as well as economic freedom, as in the ability of individuals to make their own economic decisions without government or crony interference.

76 indicators used to rank 162 countries, regions

It uses 76 indicators of personal and economic freedom including, rule of law, movement, religion, expression and information, legal system, access to sound money, and freedom to trade internationally.

While Hong Kong does tick these boxes (for now), it is interesting the 2020 report still lists the Chinese city in third place despite last year's protests.

However, in the executive summary it notes:

The HFI also finds a strong relationship between human freedom and democracy. Hong Kong is an outlier in this regard. Although Hong Kong's ratings and rankings have decreased since 2008, the impact of the Chinese Communist Party's unprecedented interventions in the territory in 2019 and 2020 are not reflected in this year's report (which, as noted, is based on 2018 data). Those recent events will likely decrease Hong Kong's noticeably in the future.

The top 10 countries are: New Zealand, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Estonia, Germany, and Sweden.

National security law has infringed HK rights

China was ranked 129th, behind Taiwan (19), Kazakhstan (75), Rwanda (78), India (111) and Vietnam (121).

And in July this year, the Fraser Institute along with think tanks from 35 countries and territories around the world signed an open letter to the people of Hong Kong.

The letter summarizes Hong Kong economic rise, due to a high level of personal freedom that has seen its per capita GDP rise from US$2,000 in 1950 to US$40,000 in 2018, four times the world average.

However the letter ends by saying:

Most recently, China has ordered large scale arrests of dissidents and, on May 28, China's National People's Congress imposed a national security law which attacks Hong Kong's freedoms and Hong Kong's Basic Law (effectively, a freedom-protecting constitution), by bypassing Hong Kong's Legislative Council. While the Communist Party of China has yet to release details, the law is intended to allow mainland authorities to crush freedom in Hong Kong and extend absolute CPC rule.

Moderates are being silenced by the government

Pro-democracy demonstrators, young and old, Chinese and the many other groups that populate Hong Kong, are demonstrating to protect their freedoms and hopes for the future of their children and grandchildren. We stand with the people of Hong Kong as they attempt to protect their freedoms and rights and believe a strong global response is critical.

So we shall wait with curious anticipation what the 2021 report will say, taking into account data from 2019 and 2020...

HK's War Against its Youth

Lam and Wong's last look at the media and supporters

 

Today three pro-democracy activists were jailed for their part in a protest last year at Hong Kong police headquarters in Wan Chai that evolved into a siege that lasted 15 hours. Joshua Wong Chi-fung, 24, was sentenced for 13.5 months, Agnes Chow Ting, 23, 10 months, and Ivan Lam Long-ying, 26, seven months.

Chow will spend her 24th birthday in jail

Wong and Chow are high-profile activists who were the faces protesting national education in 2012, the Umbrella Movement two years later, and establishing the now disbanded political party Demosisto. Only a few months ago Wong and Chow just graduated from university. Chow was the only one without a previous criminal record and sobbed when she heard her sentenced read out.

She will mark her 24th birthday in prison tomorrow.

West Kowloon Magistrate Wong Sze-lai sharply criticized Wong for challenging the authority of the police force in a premeditated plot, and called him "selfish" for obstructing traffic at the massive rally on June 21 last year.

She said they committed the offences at a time of "social unrest and large-scale public protests", which "made this case more serious".

Wong the night of June 21 at Police headquarters

During the siege, where people protested against excessive force by the police during the then anti-extradition protests, people threw eggs and soft drink cans at the police headquarters, and spray painted graffiti. There were so many people around the building that the officers were obstructed from attending 61 emergency calls.

Prosecutors described Wong as the leader of the protest that night, showing videos of him telling people at the scene through a bullhorn that they should get more people to come and "completely besiege police headquarters".

While Wong was recorded on video saying these things last year, and Chow and Lam were with him, witnesses who were there that night saw the crowd ignore him and the protesters in this leaderless movement decided what to do by discussions on Telegram. Wong left the scene early that evening.

The convictions were not just about what they did that night, but for all their years of activism, standing up against the government and inspiring others to do the same.

Wong protesting against national education

In 2011 Wong started Scholarism to protest against "moral and national education" curriculum put forward by the government. It would mean not learning about the Tiananmen Square massacre and casting the Communist Party in a better light. 

Scholarism organized a protest in late August 2012 around government headquarters in Tamar and tens of thousands showed up. Days later then chief executive Leung Chun-ying had to shelve the plan. 

Then in September 2014 the Umbrella Movement exploded after 87 rounds of tear gas was fired on protesters, and again Wong was the face of the protests. 

He was convicted and jailed in August 2017 and January 2018 for his role in the movement.

The jailing of this trio sends a strong signal to others not to stand up to authority, even if you may think protesting is right in principle. The space for dissent in Hong Kong is fast evaporating.

It also shows the government's unwillingness to engage with the next generation and reconcile differences -- the polarization is too extreme to find any middle ground.

87 rounds of tear gas fired on protesters in 2014

This is yet another sign forcing Hongkongers to decide whether they should leave the place they call home or stick it out, and become complacent.

There was more news today of Apple Daily found Jimmy Lai Chee-ying and two employees were charged with fraud. 

The government will continue to prosecute anyone it believes is contemptuous of it. 

The list is long.

Young Hongkongers Love Their Hometown

Xi gave a speech today, with Carrie Lam sitting on the far right

 

In his speech marking Shenzhen's 40th anniversary as a special economic zone, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged young Hongkongers to live, work and study in in the Chinese city, describing it as an "important engine".

"We must foster the integrated development of the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, and they must foster each other's development," he said.

"The party has high hopes for Shenzhen... It needs to push forward the bay area plan and enrich the new practices in the implementation of 'one country, two systems'. These are historic missions that the party is giving to Shenzhen in the new era."

Xi calls for HK, Macau to be closer to Shenzhen

The three cities are part of the Greater Bay Area, where the plan is to turn Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and eight other Guangdong cities into a technology and finance hub that rivals California's Silicon Valley by 2035.

It's interesting Xi has transplanted the phrase "one country, two systems" in the context of Shenzhen which doesn't make much sense, but the push to further integrate Hong Kong and Macau into the fold is evident.

But how will it all square?

Macau is mostly a gambling town, while Hong Kong is a finance and services hub. It's a wonder how Macau can help foster the development of Hong Kong and Shenzhen...

In his speech, Xi also encouraged the authorities to encourage Hong Kong's young people to seize opportunities on the mainland.

Xi says Shenzhen is an "important engine"

"We must attract more Hong Kong and Macau youth to study, work and live on the mainland, and boost interaction and communication between youth in Hong Kong and Macau with those in Guangdong, to bring their hearts closer to the motherland," he said.

That might be difficult given that most young people were out protesting against the government last year, and currently the local authorities are criminalizing the youth in the city. The police harass and intimidate young people and last year over 750 were arrested during the protests, one as young as 12 years old.

Opposition lawmaker Wu Chi-wai, chairman of the Democratic Party, said it was "ridiculous and laughable" to suggest that Hong Kong youth would be more patriotic if they worked or studied on the mainland.

Hundreds of young people arrested in 2019

"When the mainland government suppresses Hong Kong's freedoms, and Hong Kong young people don't trust it, how can they be attracted to work or live on the mainland?" he asked.

And now with the new national security law, young Hongkongers are even more worried about crossing the border, and also the practical reality of lower pay and job prospects there with so much competition on the mainland.

So it will be even harder for Beijing to entice young people across the border, unless they are in the tech field or are genuinely interested in working in China.

Young people love Hong Kong because they feel it is becoming mainlandized and are determined to protect it from what they see as further erosion rights and freedoms, the way of life that they cherish deeply.

Young people really love Hong Kong

While their passion may be a fruitless cause in the end, last year's protests was their political and social awakening. They will never forget what happened and it will never be washed from their memories. China must address and accept these tensions before moving forward, but knowing the CCP, it will try to desperately sweep things under the carpet as if they never happened.

So its grandiose plan of integrating Hong Kong into the mainland will continue to be filled with political tension. Beijing has been warned.