I left Hong Kong on June 28, 2021, when the political climate became unbearable. The so-called “one country, two systems” that once guaranteed Hongkongers a certain way of life is gone. It’s a significant milestone to reach three years since such a pivotal life change when the totalitarian regime started arresting those who vocalized their support for democracy and free speech. The political situation in the once-famed city, particularly with the National Security Law and the recently enacted Article 23 of the Basic Law, has created a complex and uncertain environment for many businesses to operate.
As a proud Hongkonger and Canadian citizen, I never imagined Hong Kong could be perceived as an “unsafe” place to travel. Coping and adjusting to my life change, from a hedge fund manager in Hong Kong to an “accidental activist” fighting for freedom using various multimedia platforms, has been quite a challenge. Who still wants to hear the “Hong Kong Story” and learn about its deterioration, from great to worse, to something unrecognizable?
As of today, I am in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, wrapping up a four-day conference organized by the Acton Institute. For those who care about religion and liberty, please check out their website (www.acton.org) to learn more. I had the privilege of dialoguing with Father Robert Sirico, co-founder of the Acton Institute. He believes in the free market and is a personal friend of Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily in Hong Kong. Father Sirico was in Hong Kong a few months ago, witnessing the sham trials against Jimmy Lai. The “last mile” awaits Jimmy’s own defense.
Five years have passed since the social movement of 2019 in Hong Kong, and many have moved on with their lives. I believe Hong Kong will not be forgotten, but its DNA will change almost entirely. It will become like Tibet, which was forced to sign the 17 Point Treaty in 1951 and annexed in 1959 by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Inhabitants in these so-called “Special Economic Regions” (SARs) are highly monitored, and harsh sentences are passed for violations of the “law.” Hongkongers who continue to fight for freedoms will experience “protest fatigue,” and we are almost at the end of all “national security” trials, except for “The Alliance,” which organized the Tiananmen massacre candlelight vigil.
After three years away from Hong Kong, I have come to the conclusion that it is okay if we don’t ever go back. We can rebuild the spirit of Hong Kong globally and continue telling the true story. We must realize that the CCP is no joke. The sham national security trials are conducted without proper due process, defense, or jury. Allegations of conspiracy to commit collusion with foreign forces are seen as endangering national security. When the rights of individuals are gone, as in the case of Hong Kong, those with options should leave.
It is sad to see Hong Kong’s autonomy fading quickly. In the last three years, I have driven thousands of miles in Canada and the U.S., trying to tell the Hong Kong story and bring hope to those concerned about the almost total destruction of the once-famed international financial center. By sharing the stories of Jimmy Lai, law professor Benny Tai, and young activist Joshua Wong, perhaps I found my redemption. I have become proactive in the fight for Hong Kong. As a man of faith, mere waiting and ‘seeing what happens next’ is not Christian behavior. I believe Christians are called to action and compassion, and we cannot be silent in the face of evil and injustice. Hong Kong is going through its ‘dark ages,’ and we cannot remain silent.
It is quite laughable when I look back ten years to an initiative I spearheaded called the “Ten Requests to the Communist Party of China from the People in Hong Kong (Finance and Banking Sector).” We sent this request to President Xi Jinping, hoping the “newly minted” Xi could be a reformist, bringing China closer to democracy. Out of the ten requests, none were achieved. I want to highlight Request No. 6, “Safeguard the spirit of the rule of law and judicial independence,” to conclude our discussion.
The rule of law is one of the most important core values of Hong Kong and a cornerstone for maintaining its prosperity. Beyond a sound legal system, Hong Kong has practiced the separation of powers (executive, legislative, and judiciary), allowing courts to make impartial rulings based on the law’s spirit and legislative intent without political or populist pressures. The government cannot interfere with or influence court rulings, and the public can sue the government for malpractice. This system ensures justice is upheld, and the government is monitored, preventing the law from becoming a political tool. The rule of law and our judiciary system are essential for maintaining Hong Kong as an international metropolis and for the successful implementation of “one country, two systems.”
However, recent opinions advocate for the coordination rather than the separation of powers in Hong Kong, causing worry among Hongkongers and international investors about the degeneration of the rule of law. We urge Chinese leaders to uphold the promise of maintaining the separation of powers in Hong Kong. It is the soul of Hong Kong, without which the city’s future is doomed.
The rule of law and judicial independence are under fierce attack in Hong Kong, causing capital to flee. It seems the CCP doesn’t even want to maintain the pretense that the city is still intact: making it clear to the whole world that they are ‘in charge’ of Hong Kong. I conclude today’s writing with a solemn note: the CCP and Hong Kong’s leaders have not only betrayed the city and its people but have also cast a dark shadow over its future.
