The Politics of Hong Kong Flashcards
1
Q
Pro-Democracy Struggle vs PRC Authoritarianism
A
- Democracy Movement on a steady rise since 2000s
- Culmination in Umbrella Movement 2014 and 2019/2020
- Some cosmetic changes offered by Beijing throughout these years, but rejected by more and more active democracy movement
- Hardening of PRC government: idea that Hong Kong has not appreciated Beijing’s “generosity”: patience has been running out for years
- Beijing has been blocking pro-democracy politicians from elections for years
- Difficult issue: position of ordinary mainland Chinese in Hong Kong
- Culture clash: growing authoritarianism in China vs growing democratic awareness in Hong Kong
2
Q
Both sides? Why has situation escalated so much in 2019/2020?
A
Focus on the decade of 2010s
Two stages:
- 2010-2014: peaceful civil disobedience
- 2015-2022: breakdown in trust between people and pro-Beijing authorities
In depth look at timeline June-August 2019 to trace escalation and question “both sides” narrative
3
Q
19 December 1984: Sino-British Joint Declaration
A
- British sovereignty never recognised by PRC: UK control based on 19th century “unequal treaties”
- “Handover” of Hong Kong agreed for 1997
- Guarantees “One Country, Two Systems”: Hong Kong’s way of life to remain unchanged for 50 years (until 2047)
- From 1997: This will be rooted in the Hong Kong Basic Law
4
Q
“One Country, Two Systems”
A
- Originally idea of Deng Xiaoping
- Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region is part of the PRC
- Degree of autonomy: some executive, legislative and judicial independent power
- Large degree of autonomy for Hong Kong internationally: Hong Kong SAR passports, separate currency
- Human Rights and Freedoms to remain unchanged
- No socialist system, capitalism unchanged for 50 years
- Principle is rooted in the “Hong Kong Basic Law”
- Also presented as a future model for China-Taiwan “reunification”
5
Q
Is Hong Kong a Liberal Democracy?
A
- Liberal Democracy:
– Civil rights rooted in separation of powers
– Elections with universal suffrage - Hong Kong has a Hybrid System:
– Civil rights (Basic Law)
– Only limited elections for legislature
– No full elections for Chief Executive
– = No universal suffrage
6
Q
Hong Kong Basic Law
A
- De facto Constitution of Hong Kong SAR
- Guarantees continuation of Human Rights and Freedoms
- Determines structure of governance (structured in ways beneficial to Beijing)
- Beijing responsible for foreign affairs and defence
- Vague hints about future universal suffrage: this is major contentious issue now
7
Q
Institutions: The Chief Executive
A
- Functions:
– Head of Hong Kong government
– Appoints and removes public servants and judges
– Implements Hong Kong laws and PRC Mainland laws regarding Hong Kong
– Sign bills and budgets - Election and accountability:
– Elected for five year term by the Election Committee
– Appointed to office by the NPC Standing Committee
– Should adhere to majority in ExCo
– Can be forced to resign by the LegCo under certain conditions
8
Q
Institutions: The Election Committee
A
- Leans pro-Beijing
- Functions:
– “Elects” the Chief Executive - Composition:
– 300 members from industry, commerce, and finance
– 300 members from labour, social services, religious and other sectors
– 300 members representing “professionals”
– 300 members representing political institutions (LegCo, Hong Kong deputies to the NPC, etc.)
9
Q
Institutions: The Executive Council (ExCo)
A
- Functions and structure:
– The “cabinet” of Hong Kong
– Assists the Chief Executive with policy-making
– 30 members, including Chief Executive - Election and accountability:
– Members are appointed by the Chief Executive
10
Q
Institutions: The Legislative Council (LegCo)
A
- Functions and structure:
– The “parliament” of Hong Kong
– 70 members, elected for four years
– Questions and debates the work of the government
– May investigate and impeach the Chief Executive - Election and accountability:
– 35 members elected indirectly by constituencies consisting of professionals from various businesses and public sectors (insurance, finance, transport, education, etc) largely pro-Beijing
– 35 members elected through universal suffrage
11
Q
Institutions: The Civil Service
A
- Functions:
– The government of Hong Kong
– Formulates implements policies
– Conducts administrative affairs
– Drafts and introduces bills, motions, and budgets - Election and accountability:
– Members undergo civil service examinations
– Examinations are trilingual
– Appointments based on technical skills and work experience
– Secretaries and Department Deputies accountable to the Chief Executive
12
Q
Hybrid Electoral System: Who benefits?
A
- Secures interests of pro-Beijing forces over those of general population
- This has led to concentration of wealth and power at the top
- Business elite wants stability and profit, therefore relatively pro-Beijing
- Important background of pro-democracy protests: inequality
- These grievances cannot be challenges through electoral democratic process
- So lack of democracy tied to economic inequality
13
Q
Stage One of the Rise of Democratic Consciousness during the 2010s
A
Stage One: Peaceful Civil Disobedience (until 2014)
14
Q
2013: Occupy Central with Love and Peace
A
- Suffragist: Movement for universal suffrage
- Call for dialogue with the authorities
- Peaceful civil disobedience
- Civil disobedience as “last resort” due to Beijing’s disinterest in democratic reform
- This view shared by many: act of desperation due to lack of understanding PRC government
- Superseded by “Umbrella Movement”
15
Q
Reactions to 2013 Occupy Central with Love and Peace
A
- Mainland China: Occupy Central “potentially violent concept” and real motive is “interference outside forces”
- Chinese media actively tries to depict protesters as extremists and under foreign control
- Pro-Beijing faction in Hong Kong: this movement is too extreme, bad for Hong Kong image
- “Bad for business”: large business groups turn against movement
