Why Hong Kong Matters
Hong Kong’s democracy matters. Moves in recent days by the Chinese Communist Party to impose laws that limit freedom of speech and association need to be strongly opposed.
The CCP (Communist Party of China) is seeking to impose a law on Hong Kong to ban "treason, secession, sedition and subversion" in the territory. While at one level we might say such laws are needed in any country, many in Hong Kong and overseas see this as a crude attempt to silence opposition within the territory. The huge protests we saw last year illustrate the depth of concern – as too the fresh protests that are erupting.
New Zealand’s government has expressed concern, but I would like to see a stronger stance taken. Our allies, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (amongst others), have expressed their disapproval in far more robust terms. In fact, they – along with Canada – wrote a joint statement of rebuke from which New Zealand was noticeably absent.
So, why does all of this matter? Put simply, democracy here in New Zealand should also appreciate on the health of democracy in other countries. If we truly believe in democracy, we should not only support it locally but protest when it is being threatened overseas.
We are also seeing a continual erosion of ‘the rules-based system’ that we and other countries have come to rely on since the Second World War. It is a system of rules that has enabled countries to cooperate and engage, while respecting differences.
Hong Kong matters because those rules are being changed.
Hong Kong matters because the CCP is challenging the rules in other areas too, including freedom of navigation, diplomacy, and respecting other countries’ sovereignty.
Hong Kong matters because if we believe in human rights, then they are just that – rights for all humans – not just rights for New Zealanders!
Hong Kong matters, too, because of its economic importance. It is one of the four or so key financial hubs in the world; it is a critical nexus for the flow of capital, including US Dollars. If the CCP succeeds in imposing these laws and other major powers react, this financial system and hub will be disrupted. This destabilisation may well have direct impacts on New Zealand. So, even for those who do not see the moral imperative of speaking out, perhaps they can appreciate the economic one.
Hong Kong matters — economically, morally, and politically — and it is a matter not only for democracy there but for democracy around the world.