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The city of Hong Kong remains embroiled in protests months after they began. What started in April over a new extradition law has grown into an anti-China movement that threatens the status quo of the former British colony. Escalation seems inevitable as China has begun to mobilize military equipment on the outskirts of the city.
The protests began in April over a new extradition law that would allow authorities to extradite people to mainland China, essentially giving the Communist Party jurisdiction over the city. The two entities have operated under a “one country, two systems” agreement since the city was handed over to China by the United Kingdom back in 1997.
Hong Kong has maintained limited autonomy since returning to Chinese control. The city is supposed to enjoy this perk until 2047. However, there is a segment of the population that is extremely resistant to any Communist interference in the city’s government. This has led to protests a few times over the past few years as the central government has slowly extended its reach into the city.
The world has been watching the events as they unfold. China is a growing superpower, and many fear we could be in the midst of the “Chinese century” much like the 20th century was the “America century”.
Unlike the United States, China is run by a totalitarian regime that exhibits total control over its civilians. This control includes a very tightly controlled internet and media. China’s influence can already be seen in the decisions made by some businesses in order to placate a government in control of over a billion people.
China is facing challenges on another front as US President Donald Trump has launched a trade war with the communist country. The US has long accused China of unfair practices when it comes to trade, practices that Americans believe have led to a huge trade deficit with China. The two nations have placed massive tariffs on each other, threatening both of their economies.
The trade war has made China’s position more precarious. With their economic position already in a vulnerable state, they can ill afford to agitate the rest of the world and risk economic sanctions. That is likely the only reason the protests have not been squashed already.