Beijing to Hong Kong: We call the shots
Since the handover in 1997, Hong Kong has been ruled under the governing principle of "one country, two systems."
But a white paper issued this week by China's State Council Information office is trying to set the record straight, emphasizing Beijing's "comprehensive jurisdiction" over the territory.
The white paper puts forward the view that some Hong Kong residents are "confused or lopsided in their understanding" of the principle.
It says, "The high degree of autonomy of the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) is not full autonomy, nor a decentralized power. It is the power to run local affairs as authorized by the central leadership."
Political columnist and commentator Frank Ching calls the paper a clear warning to Hong Kong, pointing out a line about Beijing's right to declare a state of emergency in Hong Kong.
"If they declare a state of emergency, that means the People's Liberation Army can come in and take over the job of Hong Kong police."
He adds, "That would be the end of Hong Kong as we know it today."
Ching also makes an interesting observation about why the paper was released in seven languages.
"It's warning foreign countries not to use Hong Kong as a base for subversion."
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The Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong is an international and legal document.
30 years after the signing of the Joint Declaration by both countries and 17 years after the carrying out of its ideas, it is a good time to reflect on the experience of its beneficiary, the Hong Kong people, and to incorporate their opinions to better carry out the Joint Declaration in the future.
What are the experience and opinions of its beneficiary, Hong Kong citizens, in this last 17 years or 30 years? What are their rights under international laws? What are their hopes and aspirations for the next 23 years and beyond? It is a good time for issues that were originally missed out to now be addressed for best practice for the carrying out of the Joint Declaration in the future.
Hong Kong is an international city. Hong Kong people are very much part of humanity and of the international community. It would be good for all nations.
There is a civic referendum being done by the people in HK; please cover that to see how we response to China's one-sided approach in handling our affairs.