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Hong Kong’s summer of discontent
On June 9, a million Hongkongers marched to oppose the revision of Hong Kong’s extradition laws, kicking off a series of protests of increasing scale and intensity. Repeated violent confrontations between protesters and police have severely disrupted the economy, government function, and many aspects of daily life. How did we get here, and where will this lead? The Post’s columnists and regular contributors try to make sense of the tumult as Hong Kong fumbles for a resolution. Here are some of the best commentaries we’ve run.
Updated: 08 Sep, 2020
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[1]
Opinion | The questions Hong Kong’s extradition bill must answer
Talks began more than 20 years ago between Hong Kong and Beijing on a rendition agreement. Why did nothing come of it, and why is the government opting for a case-by-case approach that fails to address Hongkongers’ demand for fair trial safeguards?
06 Apr, 2019
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[2]
Sino File | What’s to stop Hong Kong blending in to Beijing? Nothing
When Hongkongers protested against the Tiananmen crackdown, Jiang Zemin said the “well water should not mix with the river water”. Thirty years on, it’s apparent there’s no filter to stop that happening
30 Jun, 2019
[3]
Opinion | A grand dialogue might heal divided Hong Kong – if we dare hold one
Reconciliation efforts elsewhere show the power of honest dialogue where people can speak up and be heard, leading to a deeper understanding and ultimately resolution. But the process requires courage, and a willingness to transcend long-held positions.
08 Jul, 2019
[4]
China Briefing | China’s legal system has a long way to go before it can be trusted
Examples abound of the country’s opaque and corruption-ridden law enforcement and judiciary system. Moves are being made to build public confidence, but will they be enough?
13 Jul, 2019
[5]
Shades Off | Hongkongers have decided enough is enough. To ignore them would be foolish
Hong Kong protesters are battle-hardened from learning to survive in a city that is tough to live in. If the government thinks the people can be scared off by thugs, beaten down by force and willing to have their voices silenced, it is mistaken.
29 Jul, 2019
[6]
Neither violence nor Beijing can fix Hong Kong’s problems
Many Hongkongers have lost out due to economic changes, and many have deep-seated distrust of mainland China. The Hong Kong government must first address their financial insecurities, before it can work on fostering a sense of Chinese identity.
30 Jul, 2019
[7]
City Beat | Blaming youth anger on home ownership woes misses deeper issues
Protests are bad for business but analysts say a big property market plunge is unlikely. The reason is simple – not enough supply.
04 Aug, 2019
[8]
Inside Out | Hong Kong has to end this leaderless drift and save itself
The government needs to crawl out of its bunker and show it is not a puppet leader. The protesters need to make clear their concerns and reach for solutions. A leaderless drift will only allow thugs and hardliners to take brutal control – as happened with Tiananmen
05 Aug, 2019
[9]
Why claims that the US is behind Hong Kong chaos don’t add up
With 1,400 US companies in Hong Kong, Washington has little to gain from increased political risk in the city. Are those who blame the unrest on the US blind to the fact that Hong Kong public servants have joined the movement too?
06 Aug, 2019
[10]
Opinion | Here is where the next revolution may take place in Hong Kong
Locking up troublemakers and throwing away the key would only breed revolutionaries. Instead, political reform that gives our young a sense of ownership must be part of the solution.
09 Aug, 2019
