China Undermining Democracy in Hong Kong

Legislative Reform

    China continues to undermine democracy in Hong Kong. On March 30th China added 20 seats to the 70 seat legislature making a new total of 90 seats. China also reduced the number of elected seats from 35 to 20. This now means that the Hong Kong legislature is 70 to 20 when previously the CCP and Hong Kong Government were split 35 to 35. This is significant because it is an example of China verticalizing power and attempting to tip the scales in favor of their ideology. (US News)

(Wallace)

Controversial Arrests

    Earlier this year 47 pro democracy activists including members of a Pan-Democratic political campaign were arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit subversion (CBS News). These charges were part of a larger set of controversial Security laws that Beijing imposed on Hong Kong in 2020. In response to these arrests the U.S. Secretary of State commented,” We condemn the detention of and charges filed against pan-democratic candidates in Hong Kong's elections and call for their immediate release. Political participation and freedom of expression should not be crimes. The U.S. stands with the people of Hong Kong” (CBS News).

(BBC)

Mainland Extradition Amendments

    Another main focus of China has been to implement mainland extradition amendments. These reforms were formally announced on February 2019 but due to constant protest China has decided to delay these amendments for the time being (Boyajian, Cook). These amendments faced fierce backlash from the Citizens of Hong Kong because it would take away their right to a free trial (Boyajian, Cook). It would allow them to be extradited to mainland china, where they might be subjected to unfair trials and human rights abuses. While it is important to note these policies have been suspended its also essential to understand they did not retract these policies. They are expected to discuss these amendments at a later date. 

Future Outlook

    Many are predicting that through the recent arrests and legislature reform that the CCP will stomp out the opposition in Hong Kong. Emily Lau, former lawmaker (Democratic Party) said,” It’s a very sad day for Hong Kong. The election system is completely dismantled,” (US News). Opposition voices are completely disenfranchised under the new system. It is only a matter of time before the CCP and Beijing fully exploit their new position in the legislature. Some even suspect that China will break their promise of leaving the political system untouched until 2047. We could see a large shift in the role of Hong Kong in relation to mainland China.

Soo, Zen, and Ken Moritsugu. “China Sharply Reduces Elected Seats in Hong Kong Legislature.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, 30 Mar. 2021, www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2021-03-30/china-approves-changes-to-hong-kong-election-laws.

“U.S. Condemns Arrest of 47 Hong Kong pro-Democracy Activists Charged with Subversion Conspiracy.” CBS News, CBS Interactive/AP, 1 Mar. 2021, www.cbsnews.com/news/hong-kong-arrests-activists-subversion-united-states-condemns/.

Boyajian, A., & Cook, S. (n.d.). Democratic crisis in Hong kong: Recommendations for policymakers. Retrieved April 06, 2021, from https://freedomhouse.org/report/policy-brief/2019/democratic-crisis-hong-kong-recommendations-policymakers  

Wallace , Anthony. “Topshot.” Market Watch, Getty Images, www.marketwatch.com/story/china-reduces-number-of-elected-hong-kong-seats-in-legislature-01617088797.

“Demonstrators Gathered Outside the West Kowloon Court Building in Hong Kong.” BBC, EPA, www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-56281684.