June 30th marks the 20th anniversary of the transfer of Hong Kong from British to Chinese rule. The small territory had flourished as a cultural and financial center. It also became an example of respect for civil liberties compared to the abuses that happened in countries around it. Chinese leaders promised a degree of autonomy for Hong Kong under their “one country, two systems policy,” but many analysts worried that the government in Beijing would trample on these democratic rights. This anniversary provides a good chance to assess their status; it shows us that Hong Kong is increasingly facing an aggressive and stifling authoritarian government that is producing gridlock with pro-democracy people and politicians.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived on Thursday and expressed his commitment to the one country, two system policy. Most of the public demonstrations appeared very patriotic, with Chinese people waving flags and wearing red caps. But that is because most of the protestors were arrested and detained ahead of the visit. This includes Joshua Wong, who led street demonstrations that shut down parts of the city in 2014. The crackdown on dissidents through aggressive policing is a great example of the difference between the rhetoric and reality in Hong Kong.
The trains still run on time, and crime and taxes remain low, but there are disturbing tendencies. The bickering between Beijing-backed politicians and pro-democracy opposition have crippled the government’s ability to make important decisions. This has delayed actions on high speed rail, housing development, and reforms to the education system. Hong Kong was once known for its speed and efficiency, but parents complain that the test focused curriculum leave students under equipped to compete with the mainland.
The Chinese government has increasingly meddled in the courts and press. The new chief executive was elected largely due to the votes of Beijing allies. Beijing allies control about half of the legislature. The other half is controlled by pro-democracy forces. Somewhat similar to trends around the world, those politicians are increasingly strident in their positions—particularly their opposition to Communism. The Beijing government actually prevented the seating of two pro-independence politicians. There are reports that Chinese officials have seized and removed several individuals who peddled salacious tales or seemed to have an inside informant.
The people show a similar split. Many mainland Chinese have moved to the area and enjoy the opportunities offered. Their stronger Mandarin skills and better network of supporters means they often take jobs from the Cantonese-speaking locals. The influx of immigrants has increased housing prices, often pricing locals, the young, and the middle class out of houses they once dreamed of. The local schools teach a mix of English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, but because the local dialect is Cantonese, it leaves students with below-average skills in the first two.
Officially, Hong Kong still enjoys the one country, two systems policy. It continues to be a leader in the financial markets. But increased immigration and interference from the mainland has changed the city, increased tensions, and led to increasingly volatile and gridlocked politics that undermine the one country, two system policy.
