The Pearl under Threat

Democracy was a gift of the ancient world that we were fortunate enough to adopt in the modern world. It’s almost impossible to envision any modern equitable society to be undemocratic. However, with the instability brewing upon our world, the pearl of the orient seems to be battling its biggest crisis ever.

Dissent is the essence of any democracy. Scene from a protest: Hong Kong. Image source: Indian Express

Hong Kong. The pearl of the Orient. The description is befitting because this region radiates wealth. It enjoyed years of prosperity and stability, but as China tightens its grip over Hong Kong, it seems to be changing.

But by the end of 2019, the world ceased to be as it used to be. There was disturbance everywhere. From the US to China, nothing seemed stable. The events of 2019 have in many ways shaped the world as we know by the end of this year.

In 2019, China began moving suspiciously, raising alarms from many countries. Hong Kong, a region that enjoyed more freedom and capitalist benefits than any city on the mainland, had always feared Chinese control and their worst fears came to life in 2020.

China cracked down on Hong kong.

Hong Kong runs on the one country two systems policy, allowing the region to have flexible economic growth and immense wealth.

There were fears that as China seizes control of Hong Kong, the days of political freedom and democracy will all come to an end. Although China assured that it would not interfere in Hong Kong's established systems, the opposite happened. Strict regulations were enforced where people could be arrested based on suspicion.

Many dailies and Publishing houses came under scrutiny and were barred from operating. Editors of political journals and articles were put behind bars for reporting anything against the Chinese government. All voices of dissent were brutally crushed.

In 2021, the protests against Chinese ordinances and crackdowns only got bolder and more prominent. Hong Kong wished to exercise full democracy. But alas, that wish seems to be fading with each passing day. More and more individuals are now afraid of expressing their opinions.

Beijing understands the value of Hong Kong as an imminent financial hub. But, Beijing isn't willing to give the necessary freedoms to Hong Kong now. The central power aims to establish full control without giving any real freedoms to the major economic hub.

People took to the streets to voice their discontentment, and many pro-democracy activists were arrested.

Countries such as the US, Taiwan, Australia, and even the European Union have expressed their concerns over the waning freedoms and democratic values in Hong Kong. The pearl of the Orient now suffers from the danger of losing its democratic values- its political identity is under threat. Only time will tell what lies ahead for Hong Kong.