Tom Plate is a sound observer of this part of the world and spot-on here, discussing Hong Kong independence and China-HK relations. (Is Beijing squeezing the life out of Hong Kong?)
I've said before that any talk of independence for Hong Kong is sheer stupidity, only tweaking the dragon's tail. Gratuitous provocation that will only lead to more backlash. In other words, in exercising feee speech these independence activists only bring on its end. And for what? Nothing.
If "death and taxes" are two universal truths, we must add a third: China will never, ever, ever accept independence for Hong Kong. And boy have they got the clout to ensure that.
Got it?
In reality, the pragmatic course for Hong Kong, many agree, is to forswear on a stack of Das Kapitals any thought of independence while working adroitly to maximise autonomy. This bifurcation offers full deference to Beijing's sovereignty over the territory, but would permit amiable public space for umbrellas, wet-behind-the-ears potential historical figures and just about everyone else.The international camera-ready umbrella movement did little but further harden the hardest hearts in Beijing and annoy many Hong Kong adults. And some adult "democrats" are increasingly seen as naive. "No," a Hong Kong friend of decades corrected me sternly, "they were just plain stupid for rejecting the offer of a chief executive election where everyone got a vote." Even though candidates would be screened first by Beijing's ideological talent scouts? "Absolutely; it would have been a start."
