IN FOCUS
By Dincy Adlakha

China’s White paper on Hong Kong democracy: Six stages recalled

On 20 December, the State Council Information Office of People’s Republic of China released a white paper on Hong Kong democracy. The paper titled, ‘Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems’ recalled the evolution of democracy in Hong Kong. The paper was released a day after the results of the latest Hong Kong elections declared an all-out victory for ‘patriots’ in the lowest witnessed turnout. Hence, the paper’s signals can be understood through the six stages of democracy in Hong Kong that it recalls.

First, the British colonial rule without democracy.
The white paper highlighted through multiple narratives that the British colonial rule in Hong Kong had no hints of democracy. It cited the Treaty of Nanking, the Beijing Convention and the Sino-British treaty of 1898 as unfair and unequal treaties imposed by the British on China which began a series of British interference in the country. The British appointed a governor in Hong Kong who was answerable only to British authority and all other official posts were also appointed rather than elected. The paper also revealed brutalities carried by the British authorities in the form of imprisonment, surveillance, racial discrimination and even flogging/hanging. The stage also recalled some newspaper articles from the era to support its arguments.

Second, ushering in democracy
In this stage, the paper recalled that British authorities refused all efforts to democratize Hong Kong until the period of colonial rule was nearing its end. The state and political systems of China were determined to establish democracy in Hong Kong and released 12 Policies in the 1980s on the same lines. Under Deng Xiaoping, a belief was established in the One Country, Two Systems policy. The Constitution and Basic Law were also put in place however, an effort to change the method adopted for electing the Chief Executive of Hong Kong was not successful.

Third, major decisions for democracy establishment
The 2000s decade witnessed major decisions which strengthened the Central Government’s process of democratizing Hong Kong. It included amending the election method for the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, amends in universal suffrage and its timetable, roadmap for the first two steps, and their implementation.

Fourth, threat to democracy from anti-China agitators
The stage referred to the events that led to and transpired during the 2019 protests in Hong Kong. The protestors, or agitators as termed in the paper, were said to have secessionist intentions which only had a mad thirst for power and were in violation of the constitutional order, endangering national security. The threat was seen to the country as a whole and the forces had anti-China intentions. The agitators stopped the fair and democratized process of election.

Fifth, re-building Hong Kong democracy
This stage highlighted the aftermath of the 2019 protests as the National Security Law brought an end to agitation and brought favorable conditions for democracy. It even notices a change in the connotation of “patriot” from one meaning merely Hong Kong pride to one progressing the thoughts for the entire country. The National Security Law also made secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities and collusion with foreign entities to endanger national security as offenses. The official posts are to be headed by the new patriots who “love the country” and are chosen by the Eligibility Review Committee. 

Sixth, a final stage of prosperous democracy
The paper ends by repeated and direct allusions to One Country, Two Systems in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and its future in accordance with the constitution and the Basic Law. This requires efforts to balance the relationship between central authorities and executives in HKSAR along with the principle of patriots ruling Hong Kong. The paper sees a harmonious and prosperous future for Hong Kong through these methods.

References:
“Full Text: Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems,” Xinhua Net, 20 December 2021

IN BRIEF
By Dincy Adlakha, Keerthana Nambiar and Avishka Ashok

INTERNAL
Chinese government removes Tiananmen Square statue 
On 23 December, the Chinese authorities removed the statue depicting the Tiananmen Square massacre from Hong Kong University. The statue displayed piled-up corpses of those who protested for democracy in 1989. The removal orders had been signed months ago and are a sign of the political pressure in the city. The official reasons for the removal were regarding the fragile state of the statue and concern for its safety. The statue was removed immediately after the low turnout Legislative Council elections. (“Pillar of Shame: Hong Kong's Tiananmen Square statue removed,” BBC, 23 December 2021)

China offers loans worth 2,00,000 yuan to encourage childbirth
On 23 December, Reuters reported that Jilin province in China would offer married couples loans worth 2,00,000 yuan (USD 31,400) if they had kids. Jilin is the newest province to join China’s many others in an attempt to increase childbirth in the country after the 2021 census showcased a dangerous decline. Financial assistance is now being provided in numerous provinces to encourage child-rearing amongst new couples. Families with children who own small businesses and enterprises have been provided with exemptions and concessions in value-added taxes as well to help them with the expenses of children’s education and standard of living. (“Loans for babies: Chinese province's strategy to beat population blues,” Reuters, 23 December 2021)

ECONOMY
Ministry of Commerce instills faith in preparation for RCEP
On 23 December, the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement that China is well-prepared and ready to implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement from 1 January 2022. MoC spokesperson Gao Feng said: “The core of the agreement lies in its implementation. The MOC, along with other departments, will help local governments and enterprises better understand RCEP rules and promote deeper integration of industrial and supply chains among members, and promote higher-quality and deeper regional economic integration in East Asia.” The RCEP includes China, ASEAN, Japan, SOuth Korea, Australia and New Zealand. (“China prepared for RCEP: MOC,” Xinhua Net, 24 December 2021)

TECHNOLOGY
China launches two new satellites into space
On 23 December, the Long March-7A rocket was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site. The latest launch marked the 50th orbital launch in 2021. Through the launch, China logged two satellites, Shiyan-1201 and Shiyan-1202 into space. The launch vehicle portrays China’s new generation of medium-sized high orbit rockets. In the year 2021, 20 launch missions have taken place at the Xichang and Wenchang launch centers for the first time in history. (“China scores 50-plus orbital launches in super 2021,” Global Times, 23 December 2021; “China sends two new Shiyan satellites into space,” Xinhua Net, 23 December 2021)

China’s Cyberspace Administration to launch an operation as a part of “clean-up” internet
On 23 December, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) announced the launch of a two-month special operation scrutinizing online platforms including social media and video sharing sites as a part of “clean-up” the internet. The operation is to clamp down fake information and accounts and target deceptive online behavior. On 22 December, the CAC conducted a video conference and released a statement on its website stating: “The conference noted that at present, fabricating online traffic, malicious public relations and comments-for-cash ... harm the legitimate rights and interests of netizens.” (“China targets online platforms in quest to 'clean up' internet,” Reuters, 23 December 2021)

INTERNATIONAL
US President Joe Biden signs bills blocking imports from China
On 23 December, US President Joe Biden signed a bill into law to block imports from China’s Xinjiang region citing human rights violations of the Uyghur Muslims in the region. Biden said on Twitter, “Today, I signed the bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act… the United States will continue to use every tool at our disposal to ensure supply chains are free from the use of forced labor- including from Xinyang and other parts of China.” (“Darlene Superville,Biden signs bills on forced labor in China, ALS research, Associate Press, 23 December 2021”)

US Chipmaker Intel apologizes to China over Xinjiang products directive
On 23 December, US chipmaker Intel apologized to China for sending a directive to its suppliers instructing them to refuse Xinjiang products over forced labor accusations. Intel extracts more than a quarter of its annual revenues from the Chinese market and hence apologized to the Chinese public via the social media app WeChat. It said in a post: “We apologise for the trouble caused to our respected Chinese customers, partners and the public. To clarify, the paragraph about Xinjiang in the letter is only for expressing the original intention of compliance and legality, not its intention or position.” The US has recently passed a bill on boycotting products from Xinjiang due to forced labor and human rights abuses subjected to Uyghur Muslims in the region. (Mark Sweney, “Intel apologises to China over Xinjiang products and labour directive,” The Guardian, 23 December 2021)

Japan news agency report suggests US-Japan joint military plans in case of Taiwan emergency
On 24 December, The Guardian reported citing Reuters and Kyodo News Agency report, that US and Japanese armed forces drew a draft plan for joint operation in case China attacks Taiwan. The report said that in a possible Taiwan emergency, US marine corps will establish temporary bases on island chains stretching from Japan to Taiwan. Japanese armed troops will provide ammunition, fuel, and other logistical support. Top leaders from both the countries have previously vowed support to the Taiwanese independence cause. The Taiwan government has maintained that it wants peace but will defend its sovereignty. (“US and Japan draw up joint military plan in case of Taiwan emergency – report,” The Guardian, 24 December 2021)