The Washington Post today reported that, “The Chinese government ruled… that it alone has the power to initiate political reform in Hong Kong.” What the Chinese government really meant, but did not say, is that it alone has the power and the will to crush political freedom in Hong Kong.
No amount of verbal contortions or doublespeak by Tung Chee-hwa, China’s appointed Chief Executive of Hong Kong, or members of the Standing Committee in Beijing, can disguise the latest Chinese tyranny. The ruling is a fait accompli, preventing democracy in 2007.
Hong Kong’s Basic Law permits changes in the electoral system in 2007, and democracy advocates would use this power in conjunction with an almost certain majority in the Legislature to provide for full democratic elections. The ruling from Beijing provides the Standing Committee, which is appointed by the Chinese government, with new powers to approve any proposed changes before they go into effect.
On Sunday- Easter Sunday- people desiring the basic right to freely elect their own government will march for freedom in Hong Kong. My heart will be with them.
Posted by publius at April 6, 2004 10:33 PM