In 2019, Hong Kong began legislating a bill to create an extradition agreement with Taiwan. However, controversy quickly arose around whether the bill would also allow extradition to mainland China. The fact remains that citizens of Hong Kong distrust the justice system operating in China, often seeing it as an extension of the autocratic regime in place there.
What is the link with the British Empire?
Hong Kong is technically part of China, yet operates as a semi-autonomous region. The origins of this lie in the former British presence in China during the 1800s, in which several fraught battles occurred between the two powers. Hong Kong remained a British colony until just 1997. However, when returning the region to China, Britain departed and left behind a ‘one country, two systems agreement' in its place. This 'agreement' recognised Hong Kong as a part of China, whilst Article 12 of the ‘agreement’ declared that Hong Kong would retain a ‘high level of autonomy,’ with Article 26 protecting ‘the right to vote’, and Article 27 protecting democratic ‘freedom of assembly’.
Subsequently, the liberties available to those in Hong Kong juxtaposed the controlled existence of those living in China. Despite this, according to ‘one country, two systems’ in 2047 Hong Kong is officially expected to become part of the wider Chinese nation. The violence and anger that is currently seen on the streets of Hong Kong can be seen as further evidence of colonial powers leaving disruption and injustice in formerly occupied areas, long after imperial rule has ended.
Written by Maddie A
Artwork by Isabel
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