It’s been the dominant issue ever since the British handed over control of Hong Kong to China nearly 20 years ago.
How much independence should the territory have?
Now, tens of thousands of people are protesting against what they see as Chinese intereference.
It began with two newly elected politicians who refused to back Beijing during their swearing-in ceremony.
Hong Kong’s government wants to disqualify Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching from the Legislative Council.
The two set off a fierce debate after displaying a sign reading ‘Hong Kong is not China’ during the ceremony.
China has vowed to intervene.
But there are fears Beijing is trying to undermine Hong Kong’s judicial independence, stripping the territory of its autonomy.
So, what does this mean for Hong Kong’s political future.
Presenter: Folly Bah Thibault
Guests:
Emily Lau – Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Hong Kong and former member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council.
Victor Gao – Director of the China National Association of International Studies.
Roderic Wye – Associate Fellow in the Asia programme at Chatham House.
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I can't see any reason to let those who take oath with fingers crossed, refuse to take oath, deliberately change its content, or publicly announced that the oath she took was just a bunch of meaningless sound, to stay in legislative body. These "young activists" have no intention to be honest to anybody in anyway.
感觉政府这次决策有点蠢啊，至少让香港大法官先判决再说啊。 我感觉议员主张香港独立不应该是槽点，说people's refucking of cheena 才是槽点，抓住这点说他们公然在宣誓时发表种族歧视言论罢免他们才好吧。这帮香港法官都是美国价值观，挑战他们的司法独立反而会适得其反，如果说反对种族歧视他们反而会认同吧。香港说实话不可能独立啊，不用这么怕吧。
Hong-Kong is to China as Kashmir is to India & Ukraine is to Russia. There is no chance of a group of person that can let the mold history in the way they like. Governments like India, China & Russia has full legal and moral right to ensure their integrity & sovereignty.
bullshit. both the women and tbe Brit is wrong. the larger concern for the central government is the tentions with the west. and the escalations to possible conflicts with the west. China's past history of the opium wars loom large. to allow any blatant show of rebellion, such as the young new council people to go uncontested would leave room for more, possible rebellious actions to the rest of China. it would also encourage outsiders to push into Chinese government's action. while a truely democratic system for China would be great, and something that i would be very favorable to. and make no mistake i do not mean, the US form of democracy. the plain truth is that the west is at war with the east. so China cannot go easy, with even what seem to be small issue, not with the possible conflict with the west looming nearer daily.
China doesn't have what it takes to be a great country; people work hard, but that's not enough. The country is built to serve the minority who are in power. It has always been like that forever! Blind patriots do no good for your country.
People of Hong Kong think that they are elitists. Lmao! They were ruled by the British, they think they can challenge Beijing? Lol they are nothing but low lives and dreaming of becoming British pets.
stupid Qatar. You muslims are divided by the west and you still don't see this is a separatist movement? Be careful, China can do a lot to you.
misbehave…like children
LOL Hongkong is just another city in China, what makes these retarded hongkies think they are special ??
Hongkong is China, if you dont like it go to antartica and establish your own law LOL
Hong Kong was returned to China under the condition that Hong Kong is to have autonomy. PRC has continuously undermined this autonomy so kudos to the two elected officials for making a stand. Why should they pledge allegiance to Beijing, that's absurd.
Bring on the hatred members of the 50 cent army and brainwashed people that believe the communist party is the greatest thing since the invention of tea.
looks at title of video
Is this even a question? You know what China would say? 'What autonomy?'
If a white MP in South Africa decided to use racial slurs in their oath, it is unlikely they would get to take their seat. These "Pro-Democracy" anti-Chinese children who use racial slurs should be treated as any Japanese Imperialist would
Stupid assnine title. Should be "Is Beijing trying to undermine Hong Kong's separatist movements?" YES!
Wow..Some of you CCP supporters are making a lot of pocket money here defending stuff written on paper. Go TROLLS
lego system
the british should rule Hk, they never allowed democracy the entire time they ran HK, only when they left did democracy become an issue, bring back the British and cancel democracy!
MUTUAL RESPECT
When will China understand these 2 words lel
Hong Kongers aren't idiots and they know they depend on China
If you don't infringe on Hong Kong rights they won't have anything against you either
very rude….even if you want to fight for Hong kong's rights this is not helping…this time I support Beijing
Qatar is more in need of democracy
Qatar is more in need of democracy
Double standard, that sounds familiar
Silly Hong Kong has always been part of China .. what these two fools did deserve it.
it is only Hong Kong is given special status .
There is another saying that pops up within China when not censored fast enough – "The CCP is not China".
I thought that we were talking about "ONE COUNTRY / 2 SYSTEMS"? as agreed and understand by the international community This was the agreement made isn't it? These students, want to make it 2 Countries 2 Systems out of it. That means a violation of the agreement made. That is my opinion.
China and Hong Kong people are two different kind of believes. Modern minded young people in Hong Kong are insulted by the commes with backward mind trying to control their legislature and autonomy. People of the free world should support Hong Kong to declare independence now!!! PRC is the most corrupted government of the world and their election frauds are so filthily well known to all people of Hong Kong. Most people of Hong Kong, especially young people, reject those commes intervening over their local government. Young people of Hong Kong should continuously escalate, and internationally, for their situation of the place.
Autonomy? When you are able to get a person born in Hong Kong locked up and deported from Thailand because he happened to protest against you, I'm guessing that might be something else besides independence.
The chinese leadership must be very insecure if a couple of young people have them scared !
China protects Hong Kong. They prosper because China protects them with Chinese Army. But what is Hong Kong paying for it? Nothing. They just take the benefit and slide away. Therefore China can control Hong Kong politically for it's return. If you don't like it, then go survive without Chinese protection. China can crush little Hong Kong within hours. Without Chinese protection, Every Hong Kong citizen will be conscripted into army for 10 years to keep it's own army. If you still think 10 years in army is the "Freedom", then go with it.
Democracy for Qatar! overthrow Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
Bullshit Aljazera. . Biased as any other mainstream media. From India