Politely Protesting the People's Republic

Umbrellas are used as shields from pepper spray and
have become a symbol of the pro-democracy movement

Over the past few days, Jeff and I have heard from many of our friends and family, asking if we are safe given the pro-democracy protests going on in Hong Kong.  We are grateful for the concern expressed and happy to report that we are safe and relatively unaffected by the events.  Today is National Day, a public holiday to celebrate the 1949 founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).  Despite the day off work, National Day doesn't seem like a particularly joyous occasion for most Hongkongers.

The word "complicated" doesn't begin to describe today's governance and politics in Hong Kong.  Between 1843 and 1997, Hong Kong was led by a Governor appointed by the British Monarch. There were 28 Hong Kong Governors, typically career diplomats, and we see many of their names on street signs and buildings around the city today.  Upon the handover of Hong Kong to the PRC in 1997, the role of Governor was replaced by a Chief Executive who assumed responsibility for the civil functions, while responsibility for the military functions was transferred to the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison.

Although Britain indefinitely controlled Hong Kong Island and Kowloon,
its control over the New Territories ceased on June 30, 1997

Thousands of protesters peacefully occupy and block
several major roads around Hong Kong

Britain's control over the 3 territories of Hong Kong came about through a series of treaties, the last of which was ratified in 1898.  Although Britain had rights to control Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula indefinitely, the treaty of 1898 was a 99 year lease over the New Territories, expiring on June 30, 1997.  Throughout the lease, no attempt was made to segregate the New Territories from the other two Hong Kong territories.  Infrastructure, business and society were allowed to develop on an integrated basis across the territories, to the point where separating the New Territories became impractical.

Most of the protesters are university students

In 1979, negotiations began between Britain and the PRC over the approaching lease expiration. These negotiations culminated in the handover on July 1, 1997.  A joint declaration outlined the two countries' intentions to transfer power over Hong Kong in 1997, along with the basic policies by which the PRC would govern Hong Kong as a Special Administrative Region under the "one country, two systems" principle.  These policies were codified as Hong Kong Basic Law, a constitutional document that prohibits socialism and preserves capitalism and the existing way of life in Hong Kong for at least 50 years, or until 2047.

Basic Law assures that Hong Kong will (1) be governed by local inhabitants; (2) have a great deal of autonomy; and (3) elect officials "ultimately by means of universal suffrage."  The ambiguity of when Hong Kong can expect true

Supplies for a protest:  Face masks, plastic wrap, bottled water and bananas

universal suffrage is at the heart of the protests.  Since the handover, the Chief Executive has been selected by a committee whose members are chosen from Beijing.  Finally, in 2007, Beijing announced that Hong Kong would directly elect the Chief Executive  in 2017, followed in 2020 by direct elections for the legislature.  But the "direct" elections come with a caveat: candidates for office must be approved by Beijing to ensure that they "love China."

Police barricade the Central Government Offices and
the Legislative Council Complex

The screening of candidates by the PRC is the hot button for the pro-democracy groups, who have generally been dissatisfied with the pace of electoral reform in Hong Kong since the handover.  It's not difficult to understand why when you consider the caliber of Chief Executives appointed by the PRC since the handover.

Universal suffrage is at the heart of the protest movement

Normally bustling, Des Voeux Road Central is empty at mid-day on Tuesday

Today marks the fourth day of the protests. The impact has been significant: roads closed, public transit disrupted and some businesses unable to operate (click here to see an amazing video of the protest areas by the BBC).  The spectacle of tear gas and pepper spray was fortunately limited to the first night, after which the riot police were pulled from the streets.  As the number of protesters has grown each day, their organization, resolve and commitment to a peaceful demonstration has strengthened.  The groups are even collecting trash and recyclables from protest areas.  The Chinese government has found itself in an awkward spot as it celebrates the 65th anniversary of the PRC.  The rest of the world is watching while the Chinese weigh their options of compromising ideology versus forcibly removing a peaceful, sympathetic and even polite group whose goal is the open elections they have been promised.

Yellow ribbons have become a symbol of the protest