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Opinion | Hong Kong democrats must not make city a pawn in the US-China power struggle
- Washington’s new measures on Hong Kong are largely symbolic, but could backfire on us if seized upon by local activists as a way to put pressure on Beijing and the Hong Kong government. Backing US moves to provoke China is dangerous play
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Hong Kong’s pro-democrat opposition enjoyed two apparent victories last week. On November 24, their parties won majorities on nearly all district councils at local elections. And, three days later, US President Donald Trump signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.
The election victory – with a 71 per cent turnout – delivered a clear message to the government, with around 57 per cent voting for pro-democrats and 42 per cent for pro-government groups.
However, the pan-democrats are surely mistaken if they think the measures passed in Washington are a cause for celebration.
On the face of it, the US is tightening its existing laws that give Hong Kong separate treatment from mainland China in economic affairs. The State Department will check on an annual basis whether Hong Kong’s autonomy is being maintained. In theory, this could lead to Hong Kong losing its separate status (though the president can remove that status on his own anyway).
The new law also says that the US supports democratic development in Hong Kong – though this is simply a gesture.
Bernard Chan, born in 1965, is a Hong Kong businessman. He is vice-chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority board and chairman of the M+ board. The grandson of Chin Sophonpanich, the late founder of Bangkok Bank, he is a former convenor of Hong Kong's Executive Council. He is also chairman of Asia Insurance Company Limited.
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