Supplementary written evidence from Dr
Steve Tsang, St Antony's College, Oxford University
Five Hong Kong Legislators have resigned from
the Legislative Council in order to use the by-elections as what
they call a de facto referendum for faster democratisation.
This is an act of desperation and reflects the great sense of
frustration democratic politicians in Hong Kong feel about the
lack of progress in democratisation. Five by-elections are, of
course, not a "referendum" but their rhetoric will lead
to Beijing taking an even harder line. This puts Hong Kong in
a kind of a vicious circle whereby its pro-democracy politicians
will continue to act out their frustration and in a way that makes
the Chinese Government uncomfortable with political developments
in Hong Kong. A harder line response from the Chinese Government
will cause Hong Kong's frustrated politicians to go further. This
will benefit neither the Chinese Government nor Hong Kong. If
the Chinese Government is willing to see the by elections for
what they really are, understand the frustration of Hong Kong's
democratic politicians, who do enjoy significant support and sympathy
in society at large, the vicious circle can be broken. The demands
of Hong Kong's pro-democratic elements are for a genuine review
and dialogue that will find a way forward for Hong Kong to progress
further and faster in developing democracy without posing a threat
or challenge to the authority of the Central People's Government.
This is allowed for in the Basic Law and progress in this direction
is in the interest of all concerned. The EU should encourage the
Chinese Government to look at the requests behind the protests
in Hong Kong and work with the citizens and politicians of Hong
Kong for a mutually beneficial outcome. Supporting human rights
in Hong Kong is not incompatible to the basic interest of the
Chinese government in the HK Special Administrative Region. On
the contrary, they are complementary. The CPG's wish to see the
SAR succeed and flourish requires people in Hong Kong to feel
contended, for which seeing their democratic rights within Hong
Kong being allow to be exercised is an important part.
25 January 2010
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