Linda Kim SAN FRANCISCO, August 20 -- Twitter and Facebook said on Monday (Aug 19) they had dismantled a state-backed information operation originating in mainland China that sought to undermine protests in Hong Kong. Twitter said it suspended 936 accounts and the operations appeared to be a coordinated state-backed effort originating in China. It said these accounts were just the most active portions of this campaign and that a "larger, spammy network" of approximately 200,000 accounts had been proactively suspended before they were substantially active. Facebook said it had removed accounts and pages from a small network after a tip from Twitter. It said that its investigation found links to individuals associated with the Chinese government. Social media companies are under pressure to stem illicit political influence campaigns online ahead of the US election in November 2020. A 22-month US investigation concluded Russia interfered in a "sweeping and systematic fashion" in the 2016 US election to help Donald Trump win the presidency. The Chinese embassy in Washington and the US State Department were not immediately available to comment. The Hong Kong protests, which have presented one of the biggest challenges for Chinese President Xi Jinping since he came to power in 2012, began in June as opposition to a now-suspended bill that would allow suspects to be extradited to mainland China for trial in Communist Party-controlled courts. They have since swelled into wider calls for democracy. Twitter in a blog post said the accounts undermined the legitimacy and political positions of the protest movement in Hong Kong. Examples of posts provided by Twitter included a tweet from a user with photos of protesters storming Hong Kong's Legislative Council building, which asked: "Are these people who smashed the Legco crazy or taking benefits from the bad guys? It's a complete violent behavior, we don't want you radical people in Hong Kong. Just get out of here!" In examples provided by Facebook, one post called the protesters "Hong Kong cockroaches" and claimed that they"refused to show their faces". In a separate statement, Twitter said it was updating its advertising policy and would not accept advertising from state-controlled news media entities going forward. Twitter told Reuters the advertising change was not related to the suspended accounts. In the past week, China’s official Xinhua news agency and state broadcaster China Global Television Network (CGTN) paid to promote videos that portrayed the protests as violent and said Hong Kong citizens wanted the demonstrations to end, according to Twitter’s Ads Transparency Centre. Twitter said it did not have data on how much revenue it generates from state-controlled media advertising. Many countries including the United States do not have clear standards on state media’s purchase of online advertising. Total digital ad spending in Hong Kong will grow 11 per cent to reach US$786.1 million in 2019, according to projections by US digital market data analyst eMarketer. Alphabet's YouTube video service told Reuters in June that state-owned media companies maintained the same privileges as any other user, including the ability to run ads in accordance with its rules. YouTube did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday on whether it had detected inauthentic content related to protests in Hong Kong. In a tweet on Sunday, China’s influential state-run tabloid, The Global Times, hailed the response of Chinese “netizens” to the protests, saying: “Chinese netizens’ power! Amid escalating protests in Hong Kong, Chinese netizens on Saturday swept Facebook and Instagram to denounce secessionist posts and show support for Hong Kong police.” About 98 per cent of social network users in Hong Kong, or 4.7 million people, will log into Facebook at least once a month in 2019, according to eMarketer projections, while 9.4 per cent of social network users will use Twitter.
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Linda Kim WASHINGTON, August 19 -- U.S. President Donald Trump warned China on Sunday a suppression by force of Hong Kong protestors like the military crackdown on the pro-democracy movement at Beijing's Tiananmen Square in 1989 would harm bilateral trade talks. "I think it would be very hard to deal if they do violence. I mean, if it's another Tiananmen Square...it's a very hard thing to do," Trump told reporters in New Jersey, referring to the crackdown that is believed to have killed hundreds of people, mostly students, when armed troops were deployed to clear the square. The world's two largest economies have been engaged in a tit-for-tat tariff war. Organizers said some 1.7 million people took to the streets in Hong Kong on Sunday, calling for full withdrawal of a now-suspended bill that would have allowed fugitive transfers to mainland China as well as an independent probe into alleged police violence. The protest, the biggest since a June 16 rally in which organizers said 2 million took part, represented Hong Kong citizens' strong frustration with Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who has refused to accept their requests. Another rally may be held on Aug. 31. The Chinese leadership led by President Xi Jinping has stationed the People's Armed Police Force, a paramilitary force, in Shenzhen across the mainland border with armored vehicles seen gathering in recent days at a stadium. Linda Kim SHENZHEN, August 19 -- China’s hi-tech capital just over the border from Hong Kong that was the original site for the country’s reform and opening-up experiment 40 years ago – will become a new special economic zone to carry out bolder reforms as a model for other Chinese cities. The first I was in Shenzhen it was in 1999. Shenzhen was as every other province city. It was crowded, with narrow streets, like the old Hong Kong. But the first plan of Beijing to modernize the city was already in progress. A new airport and skyscrapers were already build. The base was there. But now Beijing unveiled a detailed plan for wide-ranging reforms to be implemented in Shenzhen, including in the legal, financial, medical and social sectors, according to a report by state broadcaster CCTV. Under the plan, Shenzhen would become a model of “high-quality development, an example of law and order and civilization, as well as societal satisfaction and sustainability”. The goals were to make the city a leader in terms of innovation, public service and environmental protection by 2025, the report said. The plan also aimed to make Shenzhen competitive in the world in terms of comprehensive economic abilities by 2035, and a global “benchmark” for competitiveness, innovation and influence by the middle of the century. International organisations and big companies would be encouraged to set up branches or headquarters in the city, and it would be allowed to “make flexible changes to laws, regulations and local ordinances according to authorization and based on Shenzhen’s need for reform and innovation”. Political change would also be allowed, with the guidance of the ruling Communist Party. According to the report, the plan would “expand people’s orderly political participation under the guidance of the party” while improving the work of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature. Special emphasis would also be placed on integrating Hong Kong and Macau into the Greater Bay Area scheme, which aims to link those cities with Shenzhen and eight others in Guangdong in an economic and business hub. That would include promoting connections between Shenzhen’s financial market and those in Hong Kong and Macau, as well as expanding financial regulation and the portfolio of financial products available to trade bonds and foreign exchange. The report stressed that a “big data” center for the Greater Bay Area would be located in Shenzhen. People from Hong Kong who lived or worked in Shenzhen would be granted residential status, with new cultural activities launched in Shenzhen in coordination with Hong Kong and Macau, “enriching compatriots in Hong Kong and Macau’s sense of belonging and cohesion”. The report was released amid unprecedented tension in Hong Kong, with anti-government protests taking place for the eleventh consecutive week. The mass protests, and the violence that has accompanied them, have raised questions over whether Beijing might downgrade Hong Kong’s place in the Greater Bay Area plan. Guo Wanda, executive vice-president of the Shenzhen-based China Development Institute, said Shenzhen had been exploring reforms in various economic areas. “For example, in the Qianhai Bay Free Trade Port Zone, it has already explored [reforms in] foreign exchange management and cross-border financing, including financial cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, so it’s not odd what the report says about having an open economy,” he said. Guo noted that the report mentioned development of a “legal business environment” that would be considered first-rate internationally, which would require emphasis on building a city based on the rule of law. It's amazing that a plan that was started 20 years ago is still in progress, but with drastic consequences for the people of Hong Kong. The protests are not only against the Extradition Law. No, there is much more to fight for. Linda Kim TAIPEI, August 18 -- Taiwan is speeding up the processing of applications of people from Hong Kong who want to move to the island after seeing a sharp rise in requests since the start of the protests two months ago. The island – a self-governing democracy – has been one of the most popular destinations for those looking to leave the city amid growing concerns for its future. While President Tsai Ing-wen has called for the authorities to provide swift assistance for those seeking to relocate, immigration specialists have advised that it is better to apply through existing channels rather than seek political asylum. According to Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency, the number of Hong Kong people applying to come to the island has nearly doubled in the past 10 years, from 3,677 in 2009 to 6,556 in 2018. In 2009, fewer than 100 people were given residency, but last year that number had risen sharply to 1,267. As of August 11 this year, 2,027 Hong Kong people had applied to live or stay in Taiwan and 1,935 of these applications had been approved – up 14.3 and 14 per cent respectively on the same period last year. Linda Kim HONG KONG, August 18 -- A heavy downpour fell on tens of thousands of people who have turned up at Victoria Park on Sunday (Aug 18) afternoon for a rally, in the city's 11th consecutive weekend of demonstrations against a controversial extradition Bill. Undeterred by the rain, the protesters opened up their umbrellas and continued with their protest, with some spilling onto roads near the park. For the first time, police banned the Civil Human Rights Front from holding a march and only allowed it to organise a static rally in the park that can accommodate some 100,000 people. The Front has billed the gathering at Victoria Park as a "peaceful, rational and non-violent" rally. By 2pm, the park was packed with people, mostly clad in black and some with young children in tow. The rally participants chanted, "Hong Kong yahn, gah yau” in Cantonese, or "Hong Kong people, keep it up", as well as "Free Hong Kong, democracy now" in English. Among those who turned up for the rally was pro-democracy group Demosisto’s Isaac Cheng, 19, who was giving out flyers asking people to boycott classes when the new school term starts in September. When asked if the massive number of arrests have impacted on students’ determination to carry on protesting when the new school term starts, Mr Cheng told The Straits Times that there has been some impact as the frontline protesters have already been subject to violence by the riot police. But he believes this has little effect on the student protesters whom he said will press on. Linda Kim BEIJING, August 18 -- Recent statements from US politicians have violated the spirit of rule of law and interfered with China's internal affairs, a spokesman with the country's top legislature has said. Mr You Wenze, spokesman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress, said that some US politicians have glorified violent crimes in Hong Kong as protests for human rights and freedom, while smearing as violent suppression Hong Kong police efforts at law enforcement and maintaining social order. He said some politicians have threatened for US Congress to pass a so-called Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which "severely violated the spirit of rule of law, showed clear double standards and grossly interfered in China's internal affairs". Mr You's remarks on Saturday (Aug 17) came in response to several statements from US politicians including speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senators Mitch McConnell and Marco Rubio on Hong Kong. Mr You said the illegal activities by Hong Kong protesters, especially violent acts, have breached China's Constitution, the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the National Flag Law and National Emblem Law, as well as Hong Kong's regional rules and regulations. Such actions challenge the "one country, two systems" principle and reject the rule of law in Hong Kong, threatening the safety of Hong Kong people's lives and property - these acts must be punished according to the law, he said. "The law has no authority if law-breaking actions are not punished, and there is no rule of law if the law loses its authority," Mr You said, adding that maintaining social order and stability in Hong Kong must be based on the rule of law. He said Hong Kong is part of China and Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs. The city's long-term prosperity and stability are built on the strong will of all Chinese people, including 7.5 million Hong Kong people. "It can be by no means be undermined by a very small number of violent criminals and changed by any interference from external forces," he said. He said some US politicians have glorified violent crimes as fights for human rights and freedom and have smeared Hong Kong police, who have been fulfilling their duties in law enforcement and safeguarding social order. They even threatened to push for a Bill on "Hong Kong human rights and democracy" in the US Congress, he said. "This seriously violates the spirit of the rule of law. It's clear double standards and a blatant interference in China's internal affairs," he said. Pete McGee HONG KONG, August 17 -- A collection of rare Japanese whiskies fetched 7.19 million Hong Kong dollars ($917,000) at an auction Friday in Hong Kong, a record high for whisky produced in Japan. Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Full Cards Series consisting of 54 bottles, sold to an Asian female collector, was made in 1985 through 2014 at a distillery in Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo. Each bottle of whisky was matured in different barrels and is featured with labels of playing cards. The price nearly doubled from 3.80 million Hong Kong dollars fetched in 2015 at an auction held by Bonhams. "I was shocked" to hear the price, said Ichiro Akuto, president of the distillery, Venture Whisky. "I appreciate the high evaluation, but I'm anxious if they would be consumed with satisfaction after being sold at such an extraordinary price. I will be glad if they are consumed," he said. Linda Kim HONG KONG, August 17 -- Hong Kong enters its 11th weekend of protests with a march in Hung Hom starting on Saturday afternoon on a hopeful note, after two events held earlier ended without incident. After a peacefully rally on Friday night and morning march in the rain by teachers on Saturday morning, thousands are now setting off from Hung Hom. Police had earlier banned the march but gave last-minute approval after a change of route, from Hoi Sham Park in To Kwa Wan to Whampoa MTR station. All eyes will be on whether protesters will once again deviate from the planned route or clash with police after the event, as happened in nearly all weekend demonstrations. Police have recently displayed vehicles armed with water cannons, but did not confirm when they would be deployed. Earlier, the teachers’ rally in Central kicked off under heavy rain, as thousands of educators marched from Chater Garden to Government House in a show of solidarity with young protesters. Meanwhile, the pro-government camp will hold an “anti-violence” rally at 5pm at Tamar Park in Admiralty, with the Safeguard Hong Kong Alliance calling on people to gather in non-black attire. These are the three approved demonstrations for Hong Kong on Saturday, the latest in more than two months of civil unrest sparked by the now-shelved extradition bill, which would have allowed the transfer of fugitives to jurisdictions with which the city has no such agreement, including mainland China. Linda Kim WASHINGTON, August 17 -- U.S. President Donald Trump's administration plans to sell F-16 fighter jets worth $8 billion to Taiwan, lawmakers said Friday, in a move that drew strong protest from China. The planned sale comes amid stalled trade negotiations between Washington and Beijing and concerns over a potentially violent crackdown by Chinese authorities on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. Eliot Engel and Michael McCaul, respectively the chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the planned sale "sends a strong message about the U.S. commitment to security and democracy in the Indo-Pacific." It would "help deter China as they threaten our strategic partner Taiwan and its democratic system of government," they said in a joint statement. China, which regards Taiwan as a renegade province, condemned the U.S. action as interfering in its internal affairs and undermining Beijing's sovereignty and security interests. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying was quoted as saying the Taiwan issue involves China's "core interests," and urged the United States to stop arms sales to and military contact with the self-ruled island. "Otherwise, the Chinese side will certainly take countermeasures and the U.S. side will be responsible for all related consequences," Hua was quoted as saying. Linda Kim HONG KONG, August 17 -- As Hong Kong gears up for another weekend of mass demonstrations, all eyes are on the protesters' next moves after an airport occupation last weekend turned ugly and drew the ire of mainland China. Four demonstrations unsanctioned by the police are slated for Saturday as the semi-autonomous territory is set to enter its 11th week of anti-government protests amid a political crisis that was sparked by a now-shelved bill to allow criminal suspects to be sent to mainland China for trial. The protesters' actions on Friday kicked off with calls for a mass cash withdrawal which turned out to be less disruptive than anticipated. Andy Chan, the head of the now-banned pro-independence Hong Kong National Party, had called on protesters to withdraw money in order to disrupt the economy of the major international finance hub and gateway to China. Photos on the messenger app Telegram showed protesters taking pictures of stacks of cash and ATM screens out of service. But the protest itself failed to trigger a run on the banks as hoped. "This is the first time a political leader called for a bank run so that it could achieve some political goals," said Heng Chen, an associate professor in economics at the University of Hong Kong's business school. Chen added, however, that a simple call "for a bank run is not enough to prompt people to queue outside the bank". The tactic marked a creative, non-violent effort to cause disruption. But protesters "have to be very careful", said Sonny Lo, a political analyst. "Because if they really anger or alienate more members of the public, then they follow in the footsteps of the Umbrella Movement in 2014," he said, referring to another mass pro-democracy protest five years ago that paralyzed the city for 79 days. Protesters are still trying to recover from the apparent negative effect last weekend's events had on public opinion after hundreds of flights were cancelled and two mainland Chinese men were beaten and tied up to trolleys during the occupation at the city's international airport. Since the escalation, China has moved thousands of paramilitary police to the border near the former British colony, disseminating images and videos of the troops doing anti-riot drills. Beijing has also ramped up its rhetoric, saying protesters in Hong Kong showed signs of "terrorism", while Liu Xiaoming, China's ambassador to the United Kingdom, warned that the Chinese government had "enough solutions and enough power to swiftly quell unrest" should things became "uncontrollable". If they burn us, they burn with us Despite the intensifying language, some protesters remain unperturbed. "China knows if they send troops, they will corrupt the economy," said a 29-year-old protester who asked to be identified as M, for security concerns. "We don't care. If they burn us, they burn with us," he said, referring to a slogan regularly spray-painted around the city recently. Another protester, identified as 24-year-old C, expressed concern but said he doubted China would move in troops. "The thunder is loud, the raindrop is little," he said, referring to a Chinese idiom. "All propaganda but no official action." For the time being, analysts see the likelihood of a military intervention as slim but not impossible. "Although a lot of Hong Kong people do not take [the threat] seriously," said Lo, "as a veteran Hong Kong observer, I would take it seriously." Linda Kim HONG KONG, August 16 -- Liu Yifei, the actress starring in Disney's upcoming live-action "Mulan" remake, waded into the Hong Kong protest controversy on Thursday by expressing support for the city's police, who anti-government demonstrators accuse of using excessive force to quell unrest. "I support the Hong Kong police. You can all attack me now. What a shame for Hong Kong," she posted on Weibo, a Twitter-like Chinese social media platform.Immediately, people began posting #BoycottMulan on Twitter -- which is banned in China. Twitter users accused the actress of supporting police brutality, and called out the fact that she's an American citizen. "Liu is a naturalized American citizen. It must be nice. Meanwhile she pisses on people fighting for democracy," one person tweeted. Other public figures, actors and singers like Tony Leung Ka-fai and Daniel Chan have spoken out against protester violence and vandalism. Pop star Denise Ho came out in strong support of the protesters -- she even gave a speech about the protests at a United Nations meeting last month. Celebrities outside of Hong Kong and China have also chimed in. Kim Eui Sung, a South Korean actor who starred in the cult 2016 zombie apocalypse film "Train to Busan," expressed support for the protesters on Instagram, writing, "We are watching you, praying for you. #freehongkong." After being bombarded with critical and pro-Beijing comments, he posted another photo -- the infamous Tank Man shot from the Tiananmen Square massacre. Sports drinks brand Pocari Sweat was also cheered by protesters and boycotted by the opposition after the company pulled ads from a local broadcaster perceived as pro-Beijing. Even bubble tea has been caught in the mix, with a Taiwanese chain urging solidarity with protesters. And with the unrest showing no end in sight, both sides are settling in for the long haul."So disappointed," said one Twitter user of Liu's Weibo post. "Was so excited for Mulan too." Linda Kim HONG KONG, August 16 -- Hong Kong's police are confident they have the resources to continue battling pro-democracy protesters, even if violence escalates further, pouring cold water on concerns that the authoritarian mainland might need to intervene. Three senior commanders said they were unaware of any plans by China to bolster their own ranks with mainland troops or police officers, even if the political chaos worsens. And they admitted that any move to do so would place the city's police force in uncharted waters. But, they insisted, the issue was moot because the local force could handle the crisis. "I can't envisage it," said one senior commander. "At the operational level we have considerable depth. I think we have the determination, the cohesiveness and the depth of resources to keep going." The three officers agreed to sit down with a group of foreign journalists on condition of anonymity so they could speak more freely during the worst unrest the force has faced since leftist riots in the late 1960s. Hong Kong's summer of rage was sparked by broad opposition to a plan to allow extraditions to the mainland, but has since morphed into a wider call for democratic rights in the semi-autonomous city. POLITICAL SOLUTION NEEDED With neither Beijing nor Hong Kong's leaders willing to offer any compromises, the police have become the loathed face of the government. The chant "hak geng" - corrupt cops - has become routine, both from protesters and, more recently, local residents infuriated by police engaging in near nightly battles in their neighborhoods. Protesters, rights groups and the UN's rights chief have accused police of using excessive force, with videos of teargas and rubber bullets generating renewed public outrage each weekend. But officers insist they have deployed proportionate force against increasingly violent protesters armed with sling-shots, petrol bombs and bricks, and said they remained confident a "silent majority" of the people of Hong Kong still supported them. The three officers painted a picture of a force challenged by wildcat protests and hinted at frustration over the intransigence of Beijing and city leader Carrie Lam. "This is a political issue. And a political issue needs a political solution to solve it," said one. But they also said attacks and insults directed towards their ranks had only reinforced morale and that there were ample reserves to call upon. Of the 28,000 people in uniform, around 3,000 are engaged in front line crowd control but there are hundreds of immediate reserves and a "scaling up" plan in place should the protests escalate. "We're not at full mobilization by any stage yet," said one officer, a commander on the ground. As China takes an increasingly hardline tone, state media have published images of military personnel and armored vehicles across the border in Shenzhen this week. The United States has warned Beijing against sending in troops, a move many analysts say would be a reputational and economic disaster for China. LOANS AND FOOD DELIVERIES The three officers said there had been no discussions about what would happen if Beijing sent reinforcements and that there were no established protocols in place. Asked if such a move would leave the force in uncharted waters, one officer replied matter-of-factly: "Yes". All three felt coverage and footage on social media had portrayed the force, or specific confrontations with protesters, in an unfair light and the said officers were now being subjected to routine abuse. At least 300 police have had personal data - such as ID card numbers and addresses - published online. Some have had fraudulent bank loans applied for in their name or food deliveries sent to their homes late at night. One officer said his teenage daughter was approached by an adult at a recent sports day. "He pulled her to one side and said 'What your father is doing is disgusting, you should be ashamed'," the officer recalled. "Things like that I feel are completely, completely unreasonable." Since the clashes began in early June, police have made more than 700 arrests but so far there appears to be no let up in the protests. And even if the roiling demonstrations end, analysts say the force has suffered unprecedented reputational loss in a city now deeply polarized between those who support and those who loathe the police. Asked how long it might take to repair that damage, one commander said: "It's not easy. I can't tell you how long it will take, but it's going to take time." Linda Kim HONG KONG, August 15 -- The Hong Kong International Airport has successfully handled more than 1,000 flights since the reschedule of flights on Wednesday, after being seriously affected over the past few days by unlawful assemblies. The operation of Hong Kong International Airport returned to normal on Thursday, the Airport Authority Hong Kong said. The airport has successfully handled more than 1,000 flights since the reschedule of flights on Wednesday, the airport authority said. The two previously-closed car parks were reopened on Thursday. The airport's operation had been seriously affected over the past few days by unlawful assemblies, with 979 flights being canceled, chief executive officer of the airport authority Fred Lam told a press conference on Wednesday. The airport authority said on Wednesday that it had obtained an interim injunction to restrain persons from unlawfully and willfully obstructing or interfering with the proper use of Hong Kong International Airport. After the last bunch of demonstrators who stayed overnight in the arriving hall left on Thursday morning, there are no more demonstrators in the terminals. Checkpoints have been set up since Wednesday afternoon at different parts of the airport terminals to implement new security measures. Only airport staff and departing passengers with flight tickets or boarding passes for the coming 24 hours and valid travel documents will be allowed into the terminals. Linda Kim SINGAPORE, August 15 -- The outside world can do little to assure the future of freedom in Hong Kong beyond making the case that preserving the principles of liberty are at stake. Nevertheless, the plight of that territory’s more than 7 million souls can teach us an important lesson about what China has in mind for the rest of the world. It is not good. For starters, the continuing protests speak volumes about China’s commitment to “one country, two systems.” When the British transferred sovereignty over Hong Kong to China in 1997, Beijing agreed to this arrangement. It guaranteed that Hong Kong would be allowed to maintain its own governance and economic system. The Hong Kong system—one of great economic freedom—has produced tremendous economic success. But economic freedom is no more popular than political freedom among the Chinese Communist Party. And in recent years, Chinese authorities have been encroaching on the rights supposedly guaranteed to the people of Hong Kong under the “one country, two systems” agreement. Matters came to a head this April, when the Hong Kong government, under heavy pressure from Beijing, introduced legislation that would allow people accused of crimes against mainland China to be extradited. The proposal set off alarms among residents who know well that the mainland’s thoroughly politicized legal system is not to be trusted. Fear that Beijing would quickly weaponize the proposed law to target democracy activists and journalists sparked massive protests. Efforts to suppress the demonstrations have only ignited more public demonstrations. The protests also tell us a lot about mainland China. There is one strain of thought that Beijing, while quite happy to bully Hong Kong, would not be so rash as to put down the protests with harsh military action. That kind of response repulsed the world when the Soviets did it, ultimately leading to the break-up of the USSR. Yet many observers fear that Beijing will step in and crack down on the demonstrators. After all, they note, the USSR’s demise didn’t stop the People’s Army from rolling tanks into Tienanmen Square. There is no question that Beijing is waging a war on nerves. Last month, it assembled troops and equipment along the border with Hong Kong. It’s also begun airing footage of troops training for suppressing riots in urban settings. This all speaks volumes about the callous cynicism with which the Chinese government treats its own people. The Hong Kong police are already doing Beijing’s dirty work for them (helped, to be fair, by protesters and agitators who have crossed the line and become violent or destructive). As long as “pro-democracy” demonstrations don’t spread to the mainland cities, Beijing might not be too concerned to see Hong Kong’s stature as a stable and dependable place to do business diminished. Hong Kong just doesn’t mean near as much to the Chinese economy as it did 20 years ago. Besides, the Chinese would rather see investment flow to mainland cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai that are more firmly under the regime’s control. As for the welfare and future of the people of Hong Kong, that is the last thing Beijing cares about. Most mainland Chinese seem indifferent about the protests. Many are jealous of the privileges long enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong. Rather than press for similar freedoms, they are happy to see the islanders brought down a notch. This is yet more evidence that the hope that opening up China to the world would encourage Beijing to integrate smoothly into an equitable and liberal rules-based order is little more than magical thinking. Finally, there are lessons for the rest of us. China’s encroachment on Hong Kong represents yet another in a long string of promises broken by the communist regime. It has violated its commitments to U.N. Convention on the Law Seas, violated U.N. sanctions (which it voted for) against North Korea, and delivered debt and corruption, rather than the promised prosperity, through its vaunted Belt and Road economic “initiative.” In sum, Beijing has a well-deserved rep for playing fast and loose with the rules as it tries to bully its way to the top—and its actions with Hong Kong only reinforce that reputation. Nothing reflects the contemptuous attitude of the Chinese more than their prosperous propaganda claim that the Hong Kong demonstrations were engineered by the CIA. They know no right-thinking person in the world would believe this, but they don’t care. They know that the people of China will accept this explanation (after all, they’ll hear no other), and that’s all they want. China is acting like a global bully. Like most bullies, it will continue to do so until the world stops tolerating Beijing’s intolerable behavior. Hong Kong is a warning to the world. The world should take notice! Linda Kim OTTAWA, August 14 -- Chinese applications for Canadian immigration and visitor visas both fell to their lowest levels in recent years after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver and Beijing issued a travel warning to its citizens about “arbitrary detention” in Canada. The explosive growth rate in Chinese tourism that had seen mainlander arrivals in Canada nearly quadruple since the start of the decade has also plummeted, official figures show, with potential losses of hundreds of millions of dollars in visitor spending. There were 1,574 mainland Chinese immigration applications in June, the lowest monthly total since March 2015, according to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). And this February’s 1,754 applications had represented a 45-month low at the time. Jean-Francois Harvey, a Hong Kong-based immigration lawyer, said three mainland Chinese immigration consultants had told him that Meng’s December 1 arrest and the resultant diplomatic chill had had an effect on business, although it was not necessarily a “deal breaker”. |
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