September 12, 2019
Written by the Associated Press as appearing in the Straits Times.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has told investors at a Belt and Road forum that the semi-autonomous Chinese territory can rebound from months of protests, despite no sign that the unrest will cool down.
Mrs Lam voiced confidence at Wednesday’s (Sept 11) forum that rifts can be mended through government plans for dialogue and upholding the so-called “one country, two systems” policy that gives Hong Kong some freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland.
She said Hong Kong’s “indomitable resilience” will see the city through the conflict.
Mrs Lam’s promise last week to axe an extradition Bill that sparked demonstrations failed to mollify protesters, who are pushing for other demands including democratic reforms and police accountability.
The unrest is threatening Hong Kong’s reputation as a global financial hub.
Mrs Lam voiced confidence that rifts can be mended through government plans for dialogue and upholding the “one country, two systems” principle that gives Hong Kong some freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland after the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
“We can find a way back to reasoned discussion, to social stability…after all, Hong Kong has been built and rebuild time and again on our indomitable resilience. Call it the spirit of Hong Kong and know that it will see us through,” she told the forum.
The protesters insist it is the Beijing-backed Hong Kong government that is undermining the “one country, two systems” principle.
Chinese officials at the forum urged a quick end to the violence.
Xie Feng, Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry in Hong Kong, repeated Beijing’s rhetoric that foreign “black hands” were behind the “extremist forces” that were challenging Chinese sovereignty.
“Foreign forces have intervened, distorting the truth, and trying to protect those in the wrong and let them get away with it. With this continuous intervention of black hands, violence cannot stop and the rule of law cannot be upheld,” he warned.
Xie said deeper integration with mainland China through Belt and Road projects is the way forward for Hong Kong’s development.
More protests are planned this weekend. Bonnie Leung of the Civil Human Rights Front said it is waiting for police approval for a march on Sunday from the Causeway Bay shopping district to central Hong Kong.
Police banned the group’s Aug 31 march but protesters turned up anyway. Violent clashes erupted that night, with police storming a subway car and hitting passengers with batons and pepper spray.
The government has slammed radical protesters, but Leung said they were not out to hurt people but to “send symbolic messages” after peaceful rallies failed to move the government.
“Radical protesters, who we call braves, and peaceful protesters are fighting for the same goals. We want our freedom and rights for universal suffrage to be protected,” she said.
Clashes have become increasingly violent, with police firing tear gas and protesters vandalizing subway stations and blocking traffic. More than 1,300 have been arrested since June.
Late Tuesday, thousands of Hong Kong soccer fans booed loudly and turned their backs when the Chinese national anthem was played at the kick-off of a World Cup qualifier match against Iran.
Despite Hong Kong’s 2-0 loss, protesters chanted slogans and vowed they won’t give up their fight.