Hong Kong: Is Democracy taking hold in China?

[Sava]

Going back to when China took over control of HK, I thought that this would mean a Maoist takeover of the previously Democratic British holding. But it seems as if China has allowed HK to continue to self-govern. Recently, China has tried to pass anti-Democratic reforms aimed at curbing free-speech and free-expression, as well as the right to protest. But mass protests have erupted in Hong Kong, and today, I'm hearing reports that China is giving in to the protestors and will not disrupt the Democratic process. The info I'm getting is suggesting that Democratic reforms are going to spread through China as many mainland Chinese see the HK situation as an opprotunity to promote freedom and representative Democracy.

I don't know much about East-Asian politics. But is Democracy starting to take hold? If so, it would be a wonderful thing. I'll celebrate the day China is allowed to enjoy the benefits of Democracy, Freedom, and a market economy.

Free China!

[red_jon]

They have McDonalds. They have a purpose.

[DRoseDARs]

If I'm not mistaken, part of the agreement to hand the colony back to the Chinese was that they wouldn't monkey with it for 50 years. I don't remember if that was with it's economy or government, but I believe it was the government. That is why Beijing hasn't really f*ckered-up Hong Kong...

...yet.

Hong Kong is a potential cash cow for China and a model upon which they are trying to duplicate elsewhere in the mainland. It's doubtful they'd do anything that would truly upset Hong Kong's economy.



EDIT: "...economy of government..." Anyone have a PhD in that?

[red_jon]

I reckon we should give Wales to China and see what happens

[DinoDoc]

UR in 10 ... 9 ... 8 ...
Irrelevent comparisons to the US will commence shortly after he arrives

[Kuciwalker]

I'd add to that, except it pretty much describes everythign

[Nubclear]

In a word: No.

In more words: No way.

[Sava]

In a word: No.

In more words: No way.

why? explain

[Nubclear]

Originally posted by Sava
why? explain

Because, democracy is Hong Kong is only because of the agreement between the Chinese and the british for 50 years.

The rest of the country is still under quite a bit of opression, and there is no sign of that breaking especially under Hu (Hu? Hu!) Jintao.

[Sava]

The rest of the country is still under quite a bit of opression, and there is no sign of that breaking especially under Hu (Hu? Hu!) Jintao.

do you think the Democracy in Hong Kong will spread? I mean, it's fairly obvious that Hong Kong has a strong economy... won't people on the mainland take notice and demand reform?

[Nubclear]

Originally posted by Sava
do you think the Democracy in Hong Kong will spread? I mean, it's fairly obvious that Hong Kong has a strong economy... won't people on the mainland take notice and demand reform?

[Kuciwalker]

I just realized that you were tassadar... you changed your avatar

[Sava]

Good point Tass, but in America, dissent used to be treated much the same way... Kent State? I doubt China could use violence to crush pro-Democracy movements. Especially since more and more people support such reforms.

[Zulu Elephant]

We all seem to be very happy about pro-reform protests in China but pro-reform protests in Iran seem to make a whole lot of people want to bomb Tehran.

Weird.

[Sava]

We all seem to be very happy about pro-reform protests in China but pro-reform protests in Iran seem to make a whole lot of people want to bomb Tehran.

Does hypocrisy in America surprise you?