China Hong Kong SAR: News and Images

[ahojunk]

Shenzhen-HK Connect can aid market reform
By Xu Weihong | Source:Global Times Published: 2016/12/13 0:13:39

Illustration: Peter C. Espina/GT​

As Fang Xinghai, vice chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission, pointed out in a public speech, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect's main aim is not at attracting foreign capital. More important is the introduction of overseas institutional investors into the mainland stock market which can help elevate overall quality, including establishing a higher requirement in the disclosure of market information and in governance structure of listed companies.

After more than 20 years of development, individual investors still represent the majority of participants in the A-share market - a situation mainly due to the insufficient diversity of institutional investors. The newly launched stock connect that bridges the mainland capital market with Hong Kong's, is expected to attract more institutional investors to further refine investment structure in the A-share market. Facing rising homogeneous competition among domestic securities companies, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect has opened doors to new business which will allow the domestic securities industry to provide services to international investors, exchange communication and enhance integration in relevant ideologies and systems and make the Chinese capital markets' systems and regulations more market-oriented and internationalized.

China's stock market is never short of liquidity. Enormous accumulations of private capital have made each round of the "Chinese-style" bull market much more relentless than overseas markets. The most significant strategic importance of the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect by no means lies in promoting capital inflows into the A-share market that is already associated with big fluctuations, but in the yuan's internationalization, especially as the Chinese currency faces challenges in its exchange rate and interest rate. And the ultimate market challenge in the yuan's internationalization is the collision of the ideas of risk control from domestic and overseas financial institutions, which will eventually affect the stability of the yuan's exchange and interest rates. In this respect, Hong Kong plays an irreplaceable role in the true internationalization of the yuan in the bond market, money market and futures market, considering the city is one of the world's top three financial hubs, and is China's first choice of managing risk control in overseas markets.

At the same time, against the backdrop of further opening-up in China's stock market in this year's second half, tightening and intensive restrictions on home purchases have prompted a transparent decline in property transactions. Every round of adjustment in home-buying policies and big property price fluctuations has driven close market attention to capital flows. Since 2014, some market observers have described the heated development in China's stock market and property market as an alternating occurrence. As China's property policies reach an inflection point, speculative capital that was previously injected into the housing market is likely to move into the A-share market.

For the coming year, I won't jump to the conclusion that overseas stock markets, including Hong Kong, will face plenty of so-called black swan events, because looking into the movement of international asset prices following the US election of isolationist Donald Trump and Italy's vote against constitutional reform, financial investment managers across the globe have largely remained calm and rational. Yet in this respect, we need to be flexible in the use of international financial leverage and financial derivatives and seize the opportunity to facilitate Chinese capital into foreign markets via financial centers like Hong Kong.

However, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect mainly serves as a channel that facilitates southbound capital. Increasing investment in overseas markets is necessary for a more globalized Chinese economy, and this will require more domestic investment banks to be market-based and have a global perspective. Over the past few years overseas investment under the Qualified Domestic Institutional Investors scheme initiated by those overseas returnees hasn't performed well as the public had expected. This was partly due to the financial cycle in the overseas markets, but more importantly can be attributed to the lack of domestic professional teams for managing overseas mutual funds. Following enhanced regulatory measures toward private funds, further development in the internationalization of China's asset management industry is anticipated.

Against the backdrop of mixed operations in the finance industry with a combination of investment banking, commercial banking and insurance businesses, China's reforms in financial regulation as well as in the integration of industrial capital and financial capital have lagged behind. Looking at the international community, the US and Europe have embarked on different paths in terms of regulating mixed operations. Hong Kong being the base of international financial institutions in Asia is well experienced in supervising financial activities from interdisciplinary perspectives. The Chinese mainland could learn from Hong Kong's regulatory experience via the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect to meet its demand for economic development.


The author is chief economist with AVIC Securities. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn

 

[TaiShang]

Citizens rally to support union in Hong Kong
Xinhua, January 2, 2017

Citizens in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region rallied on Sunday, the first day of the new year, to support union in Hong Kong.

"I chose to attend the rally on Jan. 1, because I want to let my voice heard that I'm a Chinese and Hong Kong is a part of China -- this is a fact and can't be changed by anyone," said 30-year-old Chan Shiu-yan, while holding his mobile phone to video the event, which was organized by Defend Hong Kong Campaign, a patriotic group.

Lam, who declined to provide her full name, brought her two grandsons to the rally. "I often teach them to be patriotic. We are Chinese, and this is the fact. It can help them understand it better, if I take them to such a rally to see many citizens are showing their love for the country and Hong Kong," she said.

Fu Chun-chung, chairman of Defend Hong Kong Campaign, said for 20 years, Hong Kong citizens have been understanding "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law better. But it is a fact that some people in Hong Kong are hurting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

He called for more measures to fight against the so-called "Hong Kong self-determination" and "Hong Kong independence."

Patrick Ko, chairman of another group Voice of Loving Hong Kong, said his group will organize more trips to the Chinese mainland to boost the youth's understanding of the country.

80-year-old Chak said he would attend patriotic activities whenever possible, though he has to take care of his wife most of the time.

"Not only me, my children and grandchildren are the same... The tradition must be passed down ... We are Chinese," he said.

"When I was young, I was quite poor and had to work very hard to earn a living. Now three of my grandsons are studying in college... You are young enough to have a promising future and don't get trapped by the 'Hong Kong independence' talks," he said.

@Chinese-Dragon , @grey boy 2

 

[third eye]

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...ish-army-returns-hong-kong-its-all-ceremonial

Whisper it ... they’re back. Six months before Hong Kong marks 20 years since their departure on a rainswept night at the end of June 1997, the British army has returned to Hong Kong.

Before those who hanker for the old days break out the colonial flags, this is no turning back of the clock. The military intervention comes courtesy of the Hong Kong police.

In a move they would rather have kept quiet, the force have tapped into more than 150 years of pre-handover tradition to inject a bit of spit and polish into the job of restoring a reputation ravaged by recent events in the city.

At the invitation of the police, a four-strong team from the British Army School of Ceremonial arrived from Britain without fanfare earlier this month to conduct two weeks of training at the Hong Kong Police College in Aberdeen.

The move – described as pragmatic by one expert and which may risk ruffling a feather or two at the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison – comes as the force prepares for some of the biggest official celebrations seen in the city since Britain relinquished control almost two decades ago.

In the first visit of its kind since 1997, a captain and a drill sergeant from the Scots Guards, a pipe-sergeant from the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and a drum-major from the Coldstream Guards have been putting police officers and members of other disciplined services through their paces.

Hailed as a “historic visit’’ by Britain’s official Forces TV which is beamed to UK servicemen and women at home and overseas – and who had a camera crew at the college to cover the training – news of it is nowhere to be found on the Hong Kong police website or in any official Hong Kong government publicity.

However, asked about the hush-hush visit, a spokesman for the force said: “A two-week training on ceremonial skills was given by officers from the British Army School of Ceremonial to 50 drill and musketry officers of the Hong Kong Police College as well as seven officers from other disciplined services in Hong Kong this month.

“In order for more officers to benefit from drill training with a view to enhancing their professionalism and standards, the force decided to invite officers from the school to provide training this year.

“The Hong Kong Police Force have no plan to invite the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison to give training on ceremonial skills as the drill movements and standards of the force have all along followed the British Army drill standard.”

Watch: British army trains Hong Kong’s ceremonial band

A political scientist at the Chinese University, Professor Ma Ngok, said: “For quite obvious reasons it is understandable that the Hong Kong police should try to keep this training visit as low key as possible.

“They are caught in a difficult position. For decades their training has followed the British model and they have to train officers. But they can’t call in the People’s Liberation Army because I am sure they don’t want to adopt PLA methods.”

Britain’s Forces TV was much more effusive: “They’ve achieved a first in history – 12 police sergeants fluent in pacing, colours, and sword drills passing out from a bespoke training package.

“And it was all made possible by British instructors, who flew more than 6,000 miles to carry out the teaching. The Army’s school of ceremony were invited to help smarten up the Hong Kong police force.”

A report filed to the Forces TV website from the police college in Aberdeen said the force “holds its British-linked traditions dear and that’s why they’ve been so keen to host their UK visitors”, adding that the British military training team had “interacted with hundreds of police officers and recruits passing on their skills to continue a rich ceremonial tradition”.

 

[Beast]

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/...ish-army-returns-hong-kong-its-all-ceremonial

Whisper it ... they’re back. Six months before Hong Kong marks 20 years since their departure on a rainswept night at the end of June 1997, the British army has returned to Hong Kong.

Before those who hanker for the old days break out the colonial flags, this is no turning back of the clock. The military intervention comes courtesy of the Hong Kong police.

In a move they would rather have kept quiet, the force have tapped into more than 150 years of pre-handover tradition to inject a bit of spit and polish into the job of restoring a reputation ravaged by recent events in the city.

At the invitation of the police, a four-strong team from the British Army School of Ceremonial arrived from Britain without fanfare earlier this month to conduct two weeks of training at the Hong Kong Police College in Aberdeen.

The move – described as pragmatic by one expert and which may risk ruffling a feather or two at the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison – comes as the force prepares for some of the biggest official celebrations seen in the city since Britain relinquished control almost two decades ago.

In the first visit of its kind since 1997, a captain and a drill sergeant from the Scots Guards, a pipe-sergeant from the 4th Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and a drum-major from the Coldstream Guards have been putting police officers and members of other disciplined services through their paces.

Hailed as a “historic visit’’ by Britain’s official Forces TV which is beamed to UK servicemen and women at home and overseas – and who had a camera crew at the college to cover the training – news of it is nowhere to be found on the Hong Kong police website or in any official Hong Kong government publicity.

However, asked about the hush-hush visit, a spokesman for the force said: “A two-week training on ceremonial skills was given by officers from the British Army School of Ceremonial to 50 drill and musketry officers of the Hong Kong Police College as well as seven officers from other disciplined services in Hong Kong this month.

“In order for more officers to benefit from drill training with a view to enhancing their professionalism and standards, the force decided to invite officers from the school to provide training this year.

“The Hong Kong Police Force have no plan to invite the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison to give training on ceremonial skills as the drill movements and standards of the force have all along followed the British Army drill standard.”

Watch: British army trains Hong Kong’s ceremonial band

A political scientist at the Chinese University, Professor Ma Ngok, said: “For quite obvious reasons it is understandable that the Hong Kong police should try to keep this training visit as low key as possible.

“They are caught in a difficult position. For decades their training has followed the British model and they have to train officers. But they can’t call in the People’s Liberation Army because I am sure they don’t want to adopt PLA methods.”

Britain’s Forces TV was much more effusive: “They’ve achieved a first in history – 12 police sergeants fluent in pacing, colours, and sword drills passing out from a bespoke training package.

“And it was all made possible by British instructors, who flew more than 6,000 miles to carry out the teaching. The Army’s school of ceremony were invited to help smarten up the Hong Kong police force.”

A report filed to the Forces TV website from the police college in Aberdeen said the force “holds its British-linked traditions dear and that’s why they’ve been so keen to host their UK visitors”, adding that the British military training team had “interacted with hundreds of police officers and recruits passing on their skills to continue a rich ceremonial tradition”.

What a dumb article. The Head of Hong Kong Police Force listen to Governor of HK and in term obey the call of CPC. Trying to make a big fuss and claims its Hong Kong Police Force not wanting to invite PLA is nonsense. It's an propaganda article with twisted news to badmouth PRC

 

[GS Zhou]

Head of PLA Hong Kong Garrison inspects the Hong Kong police.

 

[Nan Yang]

33,000 gather in support of Hong Kong officers jailed for beating up Occupy protester Ken Tsang

Huge turnout threatens to escalate already significant chorus of criticism aimed at District Court Judge David Dufton and judiciary



Hong Kong witnessed one of the most significant mass demonstrations in its history last night when 33,000 serving and former police officers held a show of support for colleagues who were jailed for assaulting an activist during the 2014 Occupy protests.

The mass rally, held on a soccer pitch at the Police Sports and Recreation Club in Mong Kok, was described by one officer in attendance as “the largest-ever single gathering of police officers the world has ever seen”.

The last time the city’s police were involved in a such a large-scale display of discontent was almost half a century ago, in the bad old days of the 1970s. That was when thousands of officers took to the streets to protest against the setting up of the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

However, last night’s show of discontent – which was closed to the media – stood in stark contrast to the often ill-tempered nature of the 1970s protests. The massed ranks of mostly former police officers were out to register – with a disciplined dignity – their condemnation of what they believe to be the harsh and unjust treatment of seven colleagues by the city’s judicial system.

The remarkable scenes, with many turning up in white as a mark of solidarity, followed the jailing for two years of seven officers for assaulting Occupy activist Ken Tsang Kin-chiu, 41. The sentencing sparked an outpouring of condemnation by police officers and sections of the public, who complained that the courts were being far more lenient by comparison with Occupy protesters who broke the law.

Another officer at the rally, which included a significant number of family members of serving and ex-police officers, said: “This is not a protest against the courts or Hong Kong’s judicial system, nor an attempt to undermine the rule of law.

“It is a deep and heartfelt expression of genuine support for our colleagues and their families, who we feel have been unfairly treated and whose actions came out of a time of highly charged political emotion and stress.”

Prominent among those who made an appearance was former security minister Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, now a candidate for the city’ top job, along with National People’s Congress deputy Maria Tam, who took to the stage and addressed the crowd, calling for assistance for the families of the seven jailed officers.

Other personalities attending included lawmakers Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, Elizabeth Quat and Junius Ho Kwan-yiu.

Despite Police Commissioner Stephen Lo Wai-chung’s sympathy for the jailed officers and earlier plea for public understanding of their predicament, none of the force’ s top brass turned up.

Insiders worry as anger at officers’ jailing for Ken Tsang beating spreads through Hong Kong police

It is believed that only serving officers up to the rank of chief superintendent took part. The Post had earlier been told that at least one former assistant commissioner would attend, but this could not be confirmed last night.

The huge turnout threatens to escalate an already significant chorus of criticism aimed at District Court Judge David Dufton and the judiciary as a whole.

Asked if the top brass were also in attendance, an officer at the meeting said: “No only up to Chief Superintendent level.”

The jailed officers, whose careers appear to be over, are: Chief Inspector Wong Cho-shing, 50; Senior Inspector Lau Cheuk-ngai, 31; Detective Sergeant Pak Wing-bun, 43; Constable Lau Hing-pui, 39; and detective constables Wong Wai-ho, 38, Chan Siu-tan, 33, and Kwan Ka-ho, 33.

Facts, hypocrisy and the outcry over police ‘abuse’ in Hong Kong

All denied assaulting Tsang, a social worker, in a dark corner of Tamar Park, Admiralty, on the night of October 15, 2014, at the height of the pro-democracy protests. But they were found guilty on one joint count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with Chan also convicted of common assault.

A TV news crew filmed the attack, which, when aired at the time, sparked outrage.

The seven officers last night remained behind bars in the city’s maximum security Stanley Prison.

Joe Chan Cho-kwong, chairman of the Junior Police Officers’ Association, said he was surprised by the number of people who showed up at the gathering.

He said his association and three other police staff associations – the Superintendents’ Association, the Police Inspectors’ Association and the Overseas Inspectors’ Association – would write to Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying urging legislation that would ban insulting acts against public officers on duty.

“We hope that all public officers would not be insulted in the future and the laws would not be just for the police, but for all public officers,” Chan said.

He expected it would be difficult to legislate, but said the government should strive to do something.

In response to the gathering, a police spokesman said force management understood the event had been organised by two concerned staff associations to report on what they had done to help their seven colleagues.

The spokesman added that management would continue to work with the associations to help the seven and their families.

He said the force would have an open mind on any new laws or measures that could ensure effective law enforcement.

 

[Bussard Ramjet]

33,000 gather in support of Hong Kong officers jailed for beating up Occupy protester Ken Tsang

Huge turnout threatens to escalate already significant chorus of criticism aimed at District Court Judge David Dufton and judiciary

Hong Kong witnessed one of the most significant mass demonstrations in its history last night when 33,000 serving and former police officers held a show of support for colleagues who were jailed for assaulting an activist during the 2014 Occupy protests.

The mass rally, held on a soccer pitch at the Police Sports and Recreation Club in Mong Kok, was described by one officer in attendance as “the largest-ever single gathering of police officers the world has ever seen”.

The last time the city’s police were involved in a such a large-scale display of discontent was almost half a century ago, in the bad old days of the 1970s. That was when thousands of officers took to the streets to protest against the setting up of theIndependent Commission Against Corruption.

However, last night’s show of discontent – which was closed to the media – stood in stark contrast to the often ill-tempered nature of the 1970s protests. The massed ranks of mostly former police officers were out to register – with a disciplined dignity – their condemnation of what they believe to be the harsh and unjust treatment of seven colleagues by the city’s judicial system.

The remarkable scenes, with many turning up in white as a mark of solidarity, followed the jailing for two years of seven officers for assaulting Occupy activist Ken Tsang Kin-chiu, 41. The sentencing sparked an outpouring of condemnation by police officers and sections of the public, who complained that the courts were being far more lenient by comparison with Occupy protesters who broke the law.

Another officer at the rally, which included a significant number of family members of serving and ex-police officers, said: “This is not a protest against the courts or Hong Kong’s judicial system, nor an attempt to undermine the rule of law.

“It is a deep and heartfelt expression of genuine support for our colleagues and their families, who we feel have been unfairly treated and whose actions came out of a time of highly charged political emotion and stress.”

Prominent among those who made an appearance was former security ministerRegina Ip Lau Suk-yee, now a candidate for the city’ top job, along with National People’s Congress deputy Maria Tam, who took to the stage and addressed the crowd, calling for assistance for the families of the seven jailed officers.

Other personalities attending included lawmakers Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, Elizabeth Quat and Junius Ho Kwan-yiu.

Despite Police Commissioner Stephen Lo Wai-chung’s sympathy for the jailed officers and earlier plea for public understanding of their predicament, none of the force’ s top brass turned up.

Insiders worry as anger at officers’ jailing for Ken Tsang beating spreads through Hong Kong police

It is believed that only serving officers up to the rank of chief superintendent took part. The Post had earlier been told that at least one former assistant commissioner would attend, but this could not be confirmed last night.

The huge turnout threatens to escalate an already significant chorus of criticism aimed at District Court Judge David Dufton and the judiciary as a whole.

Asked if the top brass were also in attendance, an officer at the meeting said: “No only up to Chief Superintendent level.”

The jailed officers, whose careers appear to be over, are: Chief Inspector Wong Cho-shing, 50; Senior Inspector Lau Cheuk-ngai, 31; Detective Sergeant Pak Wing-bun, 43; Constable Lau Hing-pui, 39; and detective constables Wong Wai-ho, 38, Chan Siu-tan, 33, and Kwan Ka-ho, 33.

Facts, hypocrisy and the outcry over police ‘abuse’ in Hong Kong

All denied assaulting Tsang, a social worker, in a dark corner of Tamar Park, Admiralty, on the night of October 15, 2014, at the height of the pro-democracy protests. But they were found guilty on one joint count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, with Chan also convicted of common assault.

A TV news crew filmed the attack, which, when aired at the time, sparked outrage.

The seven officers last night remained behind bars in the city’s maximum security Stanley Prison.

Joe Chan Cho-kwong, chairman of the Junior Police Officers’ Association, said he was surprised by the number of people who showed up at the gathering.

He said his association and three other police staff associations – the Superintendents’ Association, the Police Inspectors’ Association and the Overseas Inspectors’ Association – would write to Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying urging legislation that would ban insulting acts against public officers on duty.

“We hope that all public officers would not be insulted in the future and the laws would not be just for the police, but for all public officers,” Chan said.

He expected it would be difficult to legislate, but said the government should strive to do something.

In response to the gathering, a police spokesman said force management understood the event had been organised by two concerned staff associations to report on what they had done to help their seven colleagues.

The spokesman added that management would continue to work with the associations to help the seven and their families.

He said the force would have an open mind on any new laws or measures that could ensure effective law enforcement.

Just when is China going to show some spine and take some control over HK?

The worst I feel is when random white people come in HK, and after some years, start advocating for HK independence.

National Security Law should be strictly implemented in HK.

 

[terranMarine]

Just when is China going to show some spine and take some control over HK?

The worst I feel is when random white people come in HK, and after some years, start advocating for HK independence.

National Security Law should be strictly implemented in HK.

As if they would succeed

 

[TaiShang]

Dufton’s sentence of 7 HK policemen unfair
By Shan Renping Source:Global Times Published: 2017/2/21


Seven Hong Kong police officers were sentenced to two years in prison by Judge David Dufton of the District Court of Hong Kong for beating an Occupy Central movement supporter in October 2014. Many disciplined services in Hong Kong were surprised by the length of imprisonment, and could not accept it. Some Hong Kong police officers expressed their desire for assistance from related associations and trade unions. The lawyer for the seven police officers is considering an appeal.

The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong practice the "one country, two systems" policy. Hong Kong has independent judicial power and the mainland cannot get involved in Dufton's judgment.

Unless Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal or the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region asks the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to interpret the Basic Law, the handling of this case is Hong Kong's internal affair.

However, this does not mean that mainland's media should keep silent. The Occupy Central movement is relevant to the mainland and the people in the mainland have a right to express their views on the case.

Many people think Dufton's rule is unfair. The Occupy Central movement led to great losses for Hong Kong. Many participants committed illegal acts. However, the heaviest penalty was given to the seven police officers, including two police officers who were not involved in the beating. For those who disrupted the order of Hong Kong and assaulted police officers, they were spared or received only short prison sentences.

It seems that Dufton's sentence is influenced by political factors and will have real political impact.

Occupy Central movement severely damaged Hong Kong's rule of law, and Dufton's sentence aggravated the damages. It will frustrate Hong Kong police but inspire Hong Kong's troublemakers to take more harmful actions in the name of "fighting for democracy."

Hong Kong's legal system has long been one of the city's most competitive sectors. However, as the system is influenced by the city's colonial history, it lacks loyalty to the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law. So when dealing with political cases, the system is likely to depart from the basic spirit of law.

Such a situation is not in conformity with the fundamental interests of Hong Kong, and the basis of Hong Kong's judicial system will suffer from erosion.

Some events that have taken place in Hong Kong go against the process of its return to China. Some people may think it is a way to keep Hong Kong's distinctions.

However, the "one country, two systems" policy is a political arrangement for enabling Hong Kong's smooth transition to China, not for dragging Hong Kong away from China.

There is still a period of time before Dufton's sentence comes into effect. It is hoped that the seven Hong Kong policemen can get a fair trial. This is not catering to the wishes of the mainland. It is for maintaining the authority of law in Hong Kong and its long-term stability.

 

[samsara]

Things that outsiders can hardly understand about the HKSAR's intriguing detailed subtleties and perplexing Anglo-based legal system...

To start first, the troubling judge, David Dufton, is a British holding a GB passport in addition to a HKSAR's PR!

Following are some excerpts from a HKSAR-based poster ("a HKSAR's Permanent Resident with Right of Abode") in some moderated circle:

Beyond all the sound & fury, what fundamentally binds HK to the Anglo Empire is the SAR's reliance on Common Law and the HKD's peg to the USD. Without them, HK would be hard put to survive in its present form. This reality virtually ensures that the Empire will have a strong base in HK, from which to meddle in both local and China's national affairs.

Beijing, of course, understood this from Day 1. And because HK was immensely and irreplaceably useful to the mainland in the early period of reform & opening up, China agreed to One Country, Two Systems. Explicitly, that meant Beijing would treat HK very differently from the rest of the country. Implicitly, it meant that the Anglo Empire and its agents & sympathizers would have much space in the SAR in which to operate.

HK's Basic Law, which enshrines OCTS, runs out in 2047. Beijing will likely decide what follows it in the years leading up to that expiry date. But if the anti-China forces cause enough disruption in the SAR, China may feel obliged to intervene before then. And if it did so forcibly (e.g., with the PLA), Beijing's enemies will have something to crow about for the next 50 years.

The 2014 Occupy Central movement (and perhaps the 2016 Mongkok riots) was an orchestrated provocation to test the limits of Beijing's patience and tolerance. In other words, a kind of China-baiting trap.

During the time, reports circulated that PLA troops were on the move, in both HK and Shenzhen. Apparently, Xi Jinping then stepped in and gave the order himself: No crackdown. It proved the right decision. As the "occupation" dragged on, it lost public support and backfired on its instigators.

Because HK isn't a sovereign country, the term "HK citizen" is not used. "Permanent resident with right of abode" is the highest form of "citizenship," with the broadest rights.

HK, even as a Chinese SAR, has long had one of the most liberal employment policies in the world, with foreigners (i.e., holders of foreign nationality/passports) eligible to serve in the government, legislature and judiciary. In the judiciary, in fact, it was/is deemed that foreign judges would not only bring expertise to the bench but also a more "detached independence" of judgment in applying the law. As with One Country, Two Systems, such arrangements can cut both ways.​

 

[Nan Yang]

Just when is China going to show some spine and take some control over HK?

The worst I feel is when random white people come in HK, and after some years, start advocating for HK independence.

National Security Law should be strictly implemented in HK.

Why China have to do anything ? China already holding all the cards.

What did the occupy protesters achieve beside pissing off the shop owners.
Then the pro independent candidates disqualified themselves by messing up the swearing in ceremony.
Then got hit in the wallet big time by the court.
Now they have anger the police.

Honestly there is nothing they can do except shooting themselves in the foot.

 

[samsara]

Why China have to do anything ? China already holding all the cards.

What did the occupy protesters achieve beside pissing off the shop owners.
Then the pro independent candidates disqualified themselves by messing up the swearing in ceremony.
Then got hit in the wallet big time by the court.
Now they have anger the police.

Honestly there is nothing they can do except shooting themselves in the foot.

Some more excerpts:

"There can be a possibility that the Chinese government would let HKSAR deteriorate to a point where the HKSAR people ask for Chinese intervention. Let the people there taste the bitterness of the toxic substances before handing out the cure! Then it can be decided what system suits HKSAR best!

Hong Kong is a laizze faire semi-democratic capitalist economy. It's survival and growth is dependent on being allowed to continue as such. As far as China is concerned, HK has still its use even though it's exposed to sabotages by such western or other interests as they are free to be there. It's like having troublesome flies in when you open the window. Deng Xiaoping has wisely given it a fifty year run to exist as freely as it wants provided it doesn't endanger the mainland itself. It's too small to do so and the irony is that while it is relatively free, the western subversive shenanigans are easily seen by all whether supporters or otherwise of Chinese policies!

The other irony is that HKSAR denizens are really given a choice of what they desire. It appears that their capacity for bearing with chaos and order is like as regards to dust blowing in the wind. They probably have endured worse! It's the world's freest economy but not the most chaotic!"

As they say and happen every where, the majority of people simply do not grasp the political matters, they do need leadership: the ten per cent leads and the other ninety follows. Even in such nations as Australia where some of the most educated and democratically fiesty people live, you get the ignorant many! Thus their choice for leaders can go awry!​

 

[samsara]

UPDATE: Commentary today by a senior editor at SCMP --

“More than two years after thousands of protesters blocked roads and broke multiple laws for 79 straight days in the name of democracy, this is the net result of justice so far: seven police officers behind bars and slaps on the wrist for everyone else. Not one of the leaders of the movement has been punished.

“Throughout the Occupy protests, frontline police officers were not only forced to stand by and watch people break the law with impunity, but also expected to protect the lawbreakers from irate members of the public whose livelihoods were affected by the road closures. Nobody was sure what was right or wrong any more …

“Never in my journalistic career have I seen this city facing such a crisis of confidence in the rule of law and law enforcement, the pillars that prevent us from sliding into certain ruin.”

http://www.scmp.com/comment/insight...risis-confidence-rule-law-and-law-enforcement

 

[Bussard Ramjet]

Dufton’s sentence of 7 HK policemen unfair
By Shan Renping Source:Global Times Published: 2017/2/21


Seven Hong Kong police officers were sentenced to two years in prison by Judge David Dufton of the District Court of Hong Kong for beating an Occupy Central movement supporter in October 2014. Many disciplined services in Hong Kong were surprised by the length of imprisonment, and could not accept it. Some Hong Kong police officers expressed their desire for assistance from related associations and trade unions. The lawyer for the seven police officers is considering an appeal.

The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong practice the "one country, two systems" policy. Hong Kong has independent judicial power and the mainland cannot get involved in Dufton's judgment.

Unless Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal or the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region asks the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress to interpret the Basic Law, the handling of this case is Hong Kong's internal affair.

However, this does not mean that mainland's media should keep silent. The Occupy Central movement is relevant to the mainland and the people in the mainland have a right to express their views on the case.

Many people think Dufton's rule is unfair. The Occupy Central movement led to great losses for Hong Kong. Many participants committed illegal acts. However, the heaviest penalty was given to the seven police officers, including two police officers who were not involved in the beating. For those who disrupted the order of Hong Kong and assaulted police officers, they were spared or received only short prison sentences.

It seems that Dufton's sentence is influenced by political factors and will have real political impact.

Occupy Central movement severely damaged Hong Kong's rule of law, and Dufton's sentence aggravated the damages. It will frustrate Hong Kong police but inspire Hong Kong's troublemakers to take more harmful actions in the name of "fighting for democracy."

Hong Kong's legal system has long been one of the city's most competitive sectors. However, as the system is influenced by the city's colonial history, it lacks loyalty to the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law. So when dealing with political cases, the system is likely to depart from the basic spirit of law.

Such a situation is not in conformity with the fundamental interests of Hong Kong, and the basis of Hong Kong's judicial system will suffer from erosion.

Some events that have taken place in Hong Kong go against the process of its return to China. Some people may think it is a way to keep Hong Kong's distinctions.

However, the "one country, two systems" policy is a political arrangement for enabling Hong Kong's smooth transition to China, not for dragging Hong Kong away from China.

There is still a period of time before Dufton's sentence comes into effect. It is hoped that the seven Hong Kong policemen can get a fair trial. This is not catering to the wishes of the mainland. It is for maintaining the authority of law in Hong Kong and its long-term stability.

Also, with the way things are, Hong Kong people are increasingly being driven away from China.

China should do the following things:

1. Declare that after 2047, Hong Kong will be a normal part of China, given equal status to cities like Shanghai, Beijing.
2. For the remaining 30 years, keep taking gradual steps to integrate Hong Kong into China, like first stopping this bull shit of Hong Kong having an Olympics team. Then proceed to implementing national security laws, handling immigration etc.

Why China have to do anything ? China already holding all the cards.

What did the occupy protesters achieve beside pissing off the shop owners.
Then the pro independent candidates disqualified themselves by messing up the swearing in ceremony.
Then got hit in the wallet big time by the court.
Now they have anger the police.

Honestly there is nothing they can do except shooting themselves in the foot.

Just so that you know, having random white people preaching that HK should be independent ain't good.

Also, the young people in HK, who would form the future labor force, are even more radicalized, and proslytized.

 

[yantong1980]

Although Hong Kong could deal with this so called Occupy movement, this 'fifth column' people existence was worrysome.