With special emphasis on Hong Kong, has China overgrown too much?

Over pampered children have a tendency of never-ending wants, the same tendencies are reflected by the Republic of China, a communist state that hinges on capitalist modes, also called red-capitalism.

The never-ending demands

If we go back in history it has always had a tendency to invade neighboring territories. The incident of Tibet and Dalai Lama exile to seek refuge in India is a prime example. There was a bloodbath carried out on the native people of Tibet by demolishing monasteries and other such horrific incidents. Although after its murder of 'human rights' it allowed ‘Open Door’ reforms and investment to flow in the Tibetan region still it can indicatively be considered as a cover-up or sham.

South China Sea Experience

Apart from invading land boundaries Chinese have eyed the water bodies too, the whole incident revolving around the South China Sea which it considers as personal property, due to its viability China has beefed up its influence through various means such as island-building and naval patrols. Does China attempt to take over the most viable stretches such as Paracels and Spratlys in South China Sea?

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The India episode

China has made claims in the territory of India in parts such as Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh and uses the same claim that the parts of the sea or island were integral parts of their 'history' which is nothing less than concocted. China uses this repetitive old formula to include the area as a part of its territory and depicting the same in their nation’s map to try to create a hype in the UN with its mundane gimmicks such as refusing to participate in a United Nations arbitration process over a territorial conflict with the Philippines. China’s accession is not only limited to expanding its border but also geopolitical motives such as for extracting resources.

Now when it comes to India it has always been on a tug of war ever since times immemorial, with a series of confrontations at the borders to enter India to portray its neighboured dominance. With disputed decisions from the Indian side previously it was easier for the Chinese but off late the scenario has changed, which can be justified with the Dokalam incident. Tables have turned as we as a nation breathe in a much more secure as evident from the standoff.

The Hong Kong happenings

Hong Kong which is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China(HKSAR) has been bullied over the years. The arbitrary impositions such as the recent bill regarding security law which is perceived by many as a law that poses a threat the fundamental political freedom and civil liberties have already found approval from the mere eyewash(National People’s Congress). The one single dissenting vote and a few abstained voters seem to be fabricated. This reveals the authoritarian nature of the Chinese republic.

A brief glance of past: Hong Kong

Let us go back in time Hong Kong was a British Colony and people from all over the world residing in it. In the year 1997, it came under Chinese Government control. The imperial regime came to power by defeating the Chinese in the opium wars. The Chinese authorities had "ensured" that Hong Kong with a cosmopolitan crowd will be the same even when it would come under the Chinese regime. The law and order would flourish the same as it used to be under the British regime. But it was not implemented in the true ‘letter and spirit’ in fact everything was perfectly manipulated, for example in the 2014 elections, the biggest point of dispute was that the candidate was to be first approved by a pro-Bejing nominating committee.

The contemporary China wrath: Hong Kong

Apart from that Beijing did not shy away from using its might that is often associated with such communist-ruled autocratic regimes. Moreover, it did not only put a ban on press/anti-government writings, but it also carried out its covert operations on Causeway Bay Books, a Hong Based bookstall claiming that it was selling anti-government books. At last, they had to pay a price as some of them were kidnapped and few were put in custody. All of this culminated in the outbreak of the ‘Umbrella Movement’ with people protesting. The upholders of justice - the judiciary- were also manipulated. Thus Bejing had created a choking environment one which the Hong Kongers were not used to.

Since a long time, there has been turmoil in the streets of Hong Kong, the outbreak of coronavirus had halted the movement but with the initiation of such a new ‘Security Law’ which is aimed to take away the basic rights, the protests are going to escalate into more fierce forms of protest. How long will the Chinese govt stop it with tear gas and water canon?

The so-called communist government has to come into a consensus to run Hong Kong because apart from being a commercial capital, it comprises of people from all over the world who had chosen Hong Kong as their abode. It is very much normal for Beijing to go up to any extent to fulfill their demands. But the 'supreme' government should also understand that if such a tussle continues they will not be able to restore normalcy.

Going forward: China

There is another potential threat that it is the source of tourism and educational hub after COVID. People might just not prefer to go there and the natives who actually have origins from different parts of the world might just prefer to leave such a chaotic situation as uncertainty looms in the region. So instead of carrying on with this ‘I want to have everything’ attitude, China should stop the murder of the basic freedom of expression and try to strike a compromise. It should not forget the unbecoming of the USSR which neglected the small Baltic states when they revolted over the extreme centralisation of the Soviet Republic.

About the author: Prakreetish Sarma is currently practicing as an Advocate in Gauhati High Court and has completed his graduation in law from National Law University and Judicial Academy Assam. His interests include playing football, badminton, cooking, discovering new places and going for trekking and into social work

All views expressed are that of the author and not of Inside NE

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