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| UPDATE: Policeman in Causeway Bay, stabbed by a protester, 5pm 1 July |
July 1st is Reunification Day (回歸節) in Hong Kong. Celebrating — or bemoaning — the day on July 1, 1997 when sovereignty switched from Britain to China. We were here at the time. Watched the PLA troops cross the border at midnight. In recent years there have been demos, on this day, usually anti-government. Some we’ve taken part in. But not today. Because the protest movement long ago became self-defeating. The reason for Beijing implementing the Security Law (as required in the Basic Law, but not done by our local government), is precisely because of the protesters. Especially when they’ve pleaded for foreign interference. [eg, Apple Daily boss, Jimmy Lai].
Thus the antics of the protesters, the violence, the vandalism, have had exactly the opposite effect than the intended. We’ve moved no further along the path to universal suffrage, and have a Security Law foisted on us. That said, our stock market is up, real estate is buoyant and most people - those not at today’s demos - seem happy enough with it, or at least reconciled.Even the pan-Dems seem to have made their peace with it. We might even get some movement on the suffrage issue, as it was always linked to the passing of a Security Law, at least in Beijing’s mind. And I don’t think it’s right for the western media to conclude One Country two Systems is dead. News of its death is much exaggerated. The indications are that Beijing very much wants to keep Hong Kong as a bridge to the west and as a common-law jurisdiction.
In sum, the feeling around the place are really quite jolly. Better than tanks in the streets, is one view…
Amazingly even veteran democratic activists have changed their tune.
Here’s a couple. Pretty much a who’s who of activist pan-Dems:
Martin Lee Chu-ming (Democratic Party co-founder): “The laam caau (self-destruct together) people, they haven’t got a clue. If you start the revolution, and then you’re completely defeated, many people will die with you. So how does that help Hong Kong?”
Anson Chan Fang On-sang (former pro-democracy chief secretary): “I would step back from civic and political engagement and lead a quieter life. I urge young people not to lose hope for their future and continue to hold fast to the values that underpin our unique city but to do so in a law-abiding and peaceful manner.”
Horace Chin Wan-kan (father of Hong Kong localism): “I am quitting the pan-democratic movement. For more than 10 years, I have had nothing but good intentions, hoping to improve relationships between Hong Kong and the mainland, to promote the prosperity of Hong Kong and the motherland. But our ‘good-relation’ localism has been hijacked by pan-democrats and those who advocate Hong Kong independence.”
Wayne Chan Ka-kui (convenor of the Hong Kong Independence Union): “I have left Hong Kong but have not quit our movement. I hope you all will continue with the fight, though I can’t join you. I hope to meet you again when Hong Kong achieves independence.” [PF: this is not going to happen. You can bet the house in it]
Claudia Mo Man-ching (opposition legislator): “If we win more than 35 seats [a majority in the Legislative Council elections in September], we can all sit down and negotiate at a moderate pace.”
Mo’s statement may be the least sensational but most significant, assuming she represents the views of other “moderates”. [Link]
ADDED: News from the front line:
Causeway Bay right now - a lot of “yellow vest journalists” and bystanders plus a lot of pictures photos taking. Cannot see hardly anything else.
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About 15 minutes ago, Lam Cheuk-ting (the Democratic Party lawmaker involved in Yuenlong) standing in front of the raffle tickets desk raising money with a microphone shouting- then removed the desk and party flags upon the request by police. Then Wu Chi-wai another regular face from the opposition camp stood on a box with microphone started shouting but was quickly removed.. looks like they were trying to be arrested but not achieved anything..
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Police has two flags (signs)- purple one tells the actions that may breach the new law; light blue one is warning for illegal assembly
