Minxin Pei

Opinion | Beijing’s plan to tighten its grip on Hong Kong could spell the end of China’s economic dream

Beijing vows to change Hong Kong’s political appointment process, pass security laws and push patriotism in education – ideas that Hongkongers have protested

Shutting down Hong Kong would sever China’s access to global financial services, bring on sanctions and spark countries to join the US’ effort to contain China

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Police in Hong Kong clearing out demonstrators after injuring a protester with a live round on November 11. Pushing the city into chaos would allow Beijing to send in troops and take control, but would mark the beginning of the end. Photo: Kyodo

Minxin Pei

Published: 10:00pm, 13 Nov 2019Updated: 11:53pm, 13 Nov 2019

Although the rapid escalation of violence in Hong Kong seems terrifying enough, things may be about to get much worse.

The communique of the recently concluded fourth plenum of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party indicates that Chinese President Xi Jinping plans to tighten his grip on the former British colony at any cost.

He should prepare to rack up a formidable bill.

The communique includes two ominous pledges. First, China’s central government will “control and rule” (管制) Hong Kong (and Macau) using “all the powers vested in [it] under the constitution and the Basic Law”, the mini-constitution that defines Hong Kong’s status.

The fourth plenum may mark the beginning of the end of Hong Kong as we know it

Second, it will “build and improve a legal system and enforcement mechanism to defend national security” in both special administrative regions.