AF: HK + C Flashcards
How long did Britain own HK
For 99 years (until 1997)
What is the one country two systems agreement
The agreement that was made in 1997, that HK will still have a high degree of autonomy as well as democratic freedoms like ‘the right to vote’, ‘freedom of speech’ and ‘freedom of press and assembly’
The agreement is due to end in 2047
What is the extradition bill
The extradition bill would have allowed criminals to be extradited to mainland China to be sentenced.
What was the public reaction to the Bill
The bill was viewed as Chinas next step to taking more power over HK. This led to many protests and after 20 weeks the bill was formally withdrawn
Why did the protests continue even though the bill was withdrawn
Only 1/5 of the protests demands where met
- The protests were not to be described as riots
- Amnesty for arrested protesters
- An independent inquiry into police brutality
- Implementation of complete universal suffrage (as stated by the 1979 agreement)
- Withdrawal of the bill
What is article 23 of the basic laws
States that HK can enact a national security law to prohibit treason secession sedition and subversion against Chinese government
How can China be seen to be breaking article 18
Article 18 states that China cannot impose Chinese law upon HK unless for exceptional circumstances (state of war or emergency). The national security law was imposed on HK by the ‘national people’s Congress of China’
However the article is left open to interpretation and China has called this a state of emergency
What does the national security law mean for HK residents
Damaging government buildings = life in prison
Damaging public transport = terrorism and suspects can be out under surveillance
There will be a Chinese security office in HK
Gives China the power to interpret the law as they wish
Allows trials to take place behind closed doors
What was Boris Johnson’s reaction to the National security law
BJ announced it was a clear violation and offered British national status and 5 year visas to 2.9 million HK citizens.
However China threatened consequences as it would be a breach of the agreements made in 1979
Who are 5 eyes
5 eyes us an intelligence alliance between: Australia Canada New Zealand UK US
How are 5 eyes involved
The foreign ministers from the 5 eyes countries condemned the arrest of more than 50 opposition parliamentarians and democratic activists in HK.
What is China’s new law (as of march 2021)
The ‘patriots’ law stating that only patriots of China can govern HK, effectively wiping out any remaining opposition
