Chinese-speaking Stars Working in K-ent All Post Support for China and Hong Kong Police in the Hong Kong Democracy Protests
I don’t know if I’m disappointed because this is what was expected. With the Hong Kong democracy protests well into two months with no signs of stopping, all signs point to Mainland China escalating it’s countermeasures to curtail and end the movement. Chinese, Hong Kong, and Taiwanese stars who are working in K-ent as K-pop idols this week all collectively posted the same supporting message “I support the Hong Kong police. You can all hit me.” that was posted by the Beijing government run People’s Daily newspaper.
Those in support include Got7‘s Jackson Wong who is actually from Hong Kong and Lai Kuan Lin of Wanna One originally from Taiwan, and of course the Mainland Chinese born Zhang Yi Xin (Lay) the sole Chinese member of EXO left, Song Qian (Victoria Song) of f(x), Cosmic Girl‘s Cheng Xiao, Zhou Jie Qiong (Kyulkyung) of Pristin, and many more. The whole situation seems like it’s headed for a big denouement in some fashion or another and for now all the K-pop Chinese-speaking contingent have made their positions clear – supporting the Chinese government position against the Hong Kong protests.
This is a tough situation, I hope both countries come to some type of agreement to end this.
BothCountries? You are right to correct yourself as Hong Kong is part of China thus it is one Country…..I too hope we dont need to use military force to stop the situation.
Whatever happened to “one country, two systems” policy?
No it’s not you “don’t need” to use military force, you should NEVER use it!
Shoot, just realized i could get back-lashed for writing “both countries” Let me correct myself, I hope some type of agreement is made to end this. -_-
I wonder if they will continue their undying support and keep the same sentiment if they are the ones on the other side of the HongKong polices’ action, getting their eyeballs shot off leading to blindness, women stripped naked and beaten and the good ol’ breaking of legs and arms.
It is disappointing but at the same time they don’t have a choice. People tend to think that western culture is the only way to go but other countries and other civilizations sometimes put more pride into their nation and origins that into appearing cool and modern.
The fact is even with the support of stars the Chinese government is not backing down so at times it’s best to just not speak up for the sake of speaking when you can’t change anything and won’t ever be in a protest for that matter.
Also I can imagine that Kpop contracts being what they are these performers keep it smart by sticking to the government is case anything happens to them in the country they work in.
I’m French and we have our own unending protesters vs police thing for a year now. All I can say is that people who keep quiet actually fuel any movement about injustice and civil rights. Democracy means anyone can state their opinion and they have stated theirs. The reasoning behind it, the sincerity of it is no one’s business but theirs.
I know lots of Western countries who are very prideful of the their nation. The US american I know are very strict when it comes to that fact especially with their army who makes me as European rise my eyebrows and roll my eyes. But it is okay. As okay Chinese are patriotic as well.
Yellow vest protests were shamed so much by press and politicans that I came to ask myself if we truly are that much “better” with our capitalistic democracy.
It’s not that we are better. But as a french even with all it’s going on, i still love to live in my country . I’m proud to be one of the generation of Coluche ‘s “Les restos du cœur”, of D Balavoine,… to have such people as Robert Badinter, Late Stephane Hessel’s ” Indignez vous” book is a must read. But i fear for the new generation who don’t have such roles model.
Pretty sure they are made to post it….no such thing as free speech in China. Who knows if there are threats to family etc.
You know that to protect themselves and loved ones I think that they’re posting under duress because they know they have a loyal following internationally but their livelihood is being compromised so best to state publicly their support for One China in that way they can guarantee their safety. Too scarey and nerve wracking and for Jackson of Got7 I hope he’s okay since he is HK born and raised having to pledge his loyalty when he may have family and friends involved in the protests.
More virtue signalling. Whith their careers and millions of RMB at stake, the artistes will naturally be pro-China government.
All this over a shirt?
No sorry @Ramsha the tshirt saga is separate to the Hong Kong crisis. The HK crisis has been ongoing for 2 months and the tshirt saga just happened recently and was caused by Versace which in turn created a backlash and boycott by Chinese celebrities.
China should honour the agreement they had with British when they turn over the country to China. 50 years agreement not to interferes and give the freedom to adjust and adapt.
Exactly this. They agreed to 50 years! So petty of such a powerful country.
Amy exactly, 20 more years to adjust and adapt. And thats what HK have otherwise will the protesters be able to cre
ate such chaos in communist china?
Anyone who relish living in a democracy should stop supporting Chinese pop culture immediately.
I hope there is a peaceful end to this. The 50 year agreement should be honored.
I’m so disgusted with the Chinese government and with C pop stars siding with them. Sure they may have posted under duress. But look at what the people of HK are enduring? They are sacrificing their own livelihoods for freedoms that they had been promised back in 1997. I find Jackson particularly repugnant considering he’s from HK. Ugh. This is a great reminder that a pretty face means nothing.
I agree that China should not be interfering with Hing Kong. However, I can’t be upset about artist siding with China. I am from the western so I do believe in freedom of speech so everyone is entitled to their opinion even Jackson. We do not know why he post it and remember unless we are in Hong Kong or were born and raise in Hong Kong the only thing we know about all this is what the news say but again there is always two side of the story.
Sure there’s freedom of speech but there’s also the responsibility of a public figure’s actions. Jackson could have remained silent. Instead, by saying what he did, he’s publicly taking sides and throwing his fellow HK citizens under the bus. Since he’s a public figure, he would have known how his actions would be scrutinized by the public.
Sure he has the right to say what he wants but it’s not free of consequences. And I have the right to speak out against his actions as well. Btw, I’m from the West too but my parents are from HK and Taiwan so this really hits home for me. My parents and everything about my heritage was about escaping communist China’s grasp. My grandparents and great grandparents suffered a lot.
So my heart will always be with HK and I hope they will prevail.
I think Jackson Wang single handedly destroy his market and GOT7 market in Hong Kong. Granted, China probably has more buying power and he can make more money in China.
I can understand why Hong Kong citizens are angry at Jackson Wang’s post, he was born and raised in Hong Kong and has on several occasion associate himself to Hong Kong and how he wants to work with TVB (Hong Kong) Broadcasting Station etc….
I doubt people from Hong Kong will support him now. Hong Kong people above all else support loyalty….and to have a celebrity go against the city that he was born and lived in…I am sure this does not sit well with his Hong Kong fans.
I thought Jackson’s parents are from China/Taiwan, he is born in HK but not his parents. He is very talented so I won’t worry about his popularity because he has bigger fish to fry. The big market is not HK, it never was. Look at who’s left at TVB. Even Sister DoDo needs Jackson to guest star her show to bring in ratings.
I totally agree. The citizens are fighting for freedom for everybody. Freedom and democracy is not easy to obtain and it is not free. What Jackson did is stab his people in the back. He deserves every backlash that he gets. All these Chinese celebrities enjoy perks, so they will do the government’s bidding.
All these artists are just trying to “please China” so they can continue earning money from them. *Shakes head* Jackson’s action is the most unbelievable. A lot of the protesters are actually doing this to protect their freedom and the democracy they have grown up with. They are also doing this for the future so it won’t become like just another city in China. He probably isn’t going to let his children live in HK/China so he could care less.
After 2047, HK will become just another city in China. This is the agreement, isn’t it? I am a foreigner just from reading the facts. I feel for both sides, as I don’t live anywhere near them, I don’t understand the whole situation. But in reality, what will change after 2047? Will all these protests get anywhere? Pardon for my ignorance, I don’t take sides, just observing from the sideline.
I think if you wanna continue getting money from China, you gotta support it. So, the stars have to do it regardless.
And HK’s protest turning this violent gets no respect. I can tell you western people I work with are losing the initial ‘I see why’ to ‘I don’t get it now’.
HK, is destroying itself without China needing to do anything. Until it ruins its own economy of course. It is already suffering. It’s normal people are the ones who suffer. China doesn’t need to intervene to be honest, they are self destructing. My HK friends are all wondering why now, because eventually China is going to win. Heck they were only lent out to the UK due to them taking over. They never got anything apart from a passport, no voting rights anyway under the British rule. Heck the UK people barely acknowledges HK as part of them. So… how much freedom did they get? Facebook and Instagram? Well, there is VPN if China comes in, and VPN is used by its people everyday anyway. The great firewall is rather easy to jump over.
Oh please! HK destroys itself? More like China is bulldozing over HK. Those violent protests are triad and police disguised as protestors trying to stir up trouble. When you see police protecting triads over the citizens, you’d be upset too.
Freedom of information is pretty important because once you lose that, it’s much easier to be brainwashed and controlled. The people lose their free will. HK knows this which is why this protest is a big deal.
So it’s not as simple as jumping over a firewall. Also, HK thrived much better under the UK. UK may not have given them many privileges but it also didn’t take their freedoms.
Your comment ‘HK thrived under UK’ is misguided. Under UK, HK people could travel to UK to learn but now under China they have to compete with 1.3 billion other Chinese to prove themselves.
I would be worried that people are so early brainwashed at this modern age if they knew how to source their news. Surely HK and it’s people are smarter than just to listen and watch CCTV? If they are so easily swayed then it isn’t China’s fault?
And it is self destructing, look at the economy? Didn’t know that Cathay is reporting a loss right? And tbh, I think that when the airport bashing happened, I really didn’t understand HK. You shouldn’t inconvenience people, peaceful protest initially was powerful. Once it is violent, mate, you lost it.
And the media is biased. Yes, western media is biased.
If Communist China would honor the agreement with Britain, all of this could have been avoided. We all know how much China like to bully and suppress others, and how reliable their words are. They are notorious with manipulation, so I would take these “violent actions” of HK people with a grain of salt. Communists will always be communists, they will spin it to make them look like the victim; they most likely have people infiltrated into HK to make it look like HK people are the violent ones. It doesn’t matter if they have limited acknowledgement from Britain, anything is better than being under Communist rule.
Don’t generalize? But even if “your city isn’t suppressed” can they openly say what they want?? What choices do they have? Can they vote for whoever they want??? No why? Bc it’s a communist country who makes choices for you & punishes you for daring to even voice your opinions. Let’s not forget that it was Chins who are putting Uyghurs in concentration camps. Sis…it’s embarrassing to read your argument. Just crawl back to where your from, where you actually have the freedom to say whatever ignorant nonsense you please! Let’s not forget that this isn’t just merely china taking back what is theirs, it’s China wanting to take away other’s freedom & I can only think of those that are brainwashed that wouldn’t be able to comprehend why HK protestors are risking EVERYTHING to have their freedom!
I support the hongkong police and I am not even chinese lmao
LOL i love how everyone feels like they can comment on Asian politics without understanding any of the complexities and nuances. Better under British rule? Are you joking? Was it not the British who deliberately introduced opium and devastated parts of China and centuries of Chinese culture? Hong Kong was lost as a direct result. Because of this, China has always felt there was a period of (recent) history where they were bullied and shamed by Western powers.
The Chinese government knows this and there is nothing more that unites its citizens than the belief that power/strength = respect. For Chinese people, the government and their culture/ethnicity/identity is one and the same – you criticize your family behind closed doors, but never shame them publicly. To think of everything as communist = bad and democracy = good; hong kong protests = good and CCP = bad is a ridiculous, oversimplified world view.
How interesting that you mention unification. You can only unify when the other party is willing to be unified. What would you call it then when it’s forceful? If the HK people see Communist China as good as you think they are, then why are they being resistant? Surely it’s not because they have so much time on their hands and are bored.
Please name me 1 Communist country that is good and their people are not censored and oppressed. There is a reason why Communism have a bad rep, and it’s not because they treat their citizens so well. To blame the downfall of China during the opium period on Britain is like blaming Mexico for the cocaine addiction in the U.S.- Ignorant. That is a choice that people make. They may bring the drugs in, but you yourself have to willingly make the choice to use it. Please open your eyes and get over this 1 culture/ethnicity/identity. You are forcing people that are not willing- that is called dictatorship. Does people so easily forget Tiananmen Square? Are you really OK letting the government use force and brutality to get what they want? Of course you are OK with it, until it involves your family and loved ones.
Clearly you don’t know how drugs are so easily addictive and it doesn’t take much for things to go pear shaped once it is introduced. It was introduced for a reason by the western countries to China. To cripple them. I mean, if I want control over a country I should really let them self destruct, and drugs are so good at doing it.
So the downfall was caused by opium.
And of course people don’t forget Tiananmen Square, my dad wanted to go there himself. Thankfully he didn’t coz my mother didn’t want him to go Beijing. So do I know why I am in a western country? Yep, that’s why.
And China isn’t suppressed, at least not in my city. They know what is going on. Not ignorant. And certainly the young ones are not censored coz they studied abroad or, have VPN and read stuff not by the central government. Don’t generalise when you probably never stepped foot into a very modern city of China and realise it is way more advanced than some first world countries we live in.
Um, I can think of lots of instances when unification happens when the other party is not willing… hello American Civil War?
We can’t paint a country with broad strokes like “good” or “bad – that’s a very naive worldview. There are “good” and “bad” aspects to every country, every government. I don’t believe anyone is innocent enough to be so hateful and resist considering alternative viewpoints, but I do think it is right for governments to hold each other accountable for the “bad”. No one is ignoring brutality or wrongdoings, and no one is condoning censorship and oppression.
I also did not say China’s downfall during the opium period was due to British interference. I said that is a period of Chinese history where they believe Western powers bullied them and took advantage of them because the nation was weak. I’m trying to provide some reasons as to why people may feel loyal towards the government, because they see the current reputation of China as a world superpower as something that was hard-fought and hard-earned.
The American Civil war was fought to abolish slavery with the North advocating this but the South resisting so unification was forced for that reason. The only countries I want to see reunified in my life time are Koreas. So HK citizens are protesting for their political freedom and their democratic rights. They have 20 years left to exercise this but right now China is fast tracking their sovereignty and we all know where and how this is going to end…in HK citizens being massacred. I’m sorry for being blunt. Why else would there be a convoy of tanks on the border waiting for their signal to advance? We can’t ignore the history of the great Chinese communist Government and their suppression of anyone that opposes them. Falun Gong members; Chinese Muslims in Uyghurs are 2 that I know of and let’s not forget the fate of the students at Tiananmen Square 1997. For those of you who are supporting the actions of the Government as correct I understand the loyalty you have but surely you are aware of their brutality? Are you that complacent about it or just in denial. As a disclaimer I would not post or be remotely bothered if China was a democratic country I would mind my own business but it’s not so I’m clearing my conscience. I am hurting from this as I have friends both from China and Hong Kong and our friendship is being strained or not severed. It’s unfortunate I want an amicable resolution please it’s reverberating around the world and we’re being affected also. I’m saddened and heartbroken please let this end peacefully. China needs to do the right thing, back down and repeal the extradition law and allow HK to mend itself. By then the Commonwealth- UK, Canada, NZ and Australia should allow HK citizens to apply as political refugees and leave HK forever. That way they’ll be safe and alive.
@Ginger Crunch – thank you. People are talking as if police use reasonable force when it’s not the case.
@Em, my career is centered around dispensing medications, so I can assure you I know the nature of drugs quite well. I for one, know that drugs are bad, but do you see me going after cocaines/heroine/meth? Like I said, it’s a choice they made to go in that downward spiral. Take some self accountability and don’t blame a whole other country for lack of self control.
Are you kidding me? China isn’ suppressed? Is that why people have to watch what they do/say about the Communist Chinese government? Why don’t you try going on the street in China and state a negative opinion about Chinese leaders and see what happened. I can I’m not sure why you are trying to convince me how advanced and modern some Chinese cities are, that has nothing to do with lack of basic freedoms like freedom of speech.
@Chocobeans- I can’t tell if you’re trying to be funny or serious. You’re bringing up the American Civil War as example? The American Civil War was over the issue of slavery, not because of some country forcing “1 China” just because they think they’re superior.
We are not painting countries as “bad” or “good” in broad strokes- we are using history as examples as to why certain countries cannot be trusted. Let’s not be in denial, Communist countries citizens do not have the freedoms that they should have. If they do, China’s president will not be able to establish himself as the power to be FOR LIFE. What a joke.
@Chocobeans — Your comment of “The government and their culture/ethnicity/identity is one and the same” already tells me that you know so very little about China and its history and their vast culture China’s physical land size is approximately the same as the United States. China was an melting pot of different ethnicity, there are approximately 50 or so different ethnicities which speaks different languages.
There was an agreement that China made with the British government in which, the 50 years after the 1997 handover, Hong Kong is to remain the same as it was prior to 1997.
Hong Kong didn’t do too bad with British Rule, at the very least, Hong Kong was thriving in terms of business and the Hong Kong citizens enjoyed freedom in terms of speech, and other aspects. Hong Kong was the land where if you were poor, you can and will be rich if you aim for it or work hard for it. Very similar to the United States.
To have this freedom taken away, if you are rich in Hong Kong or semi-sucessfull in Hong Kong, then be very afraid, as China can use that law to return you to China for punishment.
There are other issues in Hong Kong, as most recent people who immigrated to Hong Kong is not even trying to assimilate to the unique Hong Kong culture, meaning they are not even learning the Cantonese Language and is also trying to convince the Hong Kong Teaching Agency to make all schools teach in the Mandarin Language for all subjects. Cantonese, Traditional character writing, and freedom, and capitalism are all hallmarks of Hong Kong…I am sure the citizens are angry in not just the extradition laws, but other little issues that the Chinese Government is imposing on Hong Kong.
Pretty sure everyone wants to live peacefully with each other, and yes no one in Hong Kong will argue they are not Chinese…but I feel like the people outside of China does not understand the difference..Chinese as a background vs the Chinese Government. Two very different ideas.
I think you misunderstood me. Of course I understand there are a multitude of ethnicities and languages within China. I’m trying to provide background as to why someone should not deserve hate or generalizations of being a CCP puppet just because they don’t support the protestors 100%. That to me is a mark of lack of understanding of China.
The concept of One China is deeply ingrained in mainland, not because they’re brainwashed, and not because they’re minions to the CCP. They will side with the government in a geopolitical issue because they identify as one nationality – Chinese – not as an individual ethnicity, especially if they’re adopting a “us vs them” mindset towards Western media. There is deep cultural resentment towards the Western powers and the events of the 20th century, when China was the “Sick Man of Asia”.
Asians were second-class citizens under the UK government, let’s not glorify a period of colonial racism. Also, to be clear, in purely legal terms, there is nothing unfair about an extradition treaty. Given the tense relations, the concern over China overreaching is very real. But let’s not exaggerate and spread this notion that “extradition” would have granted Mainland the power to arrest HK citizens and try them under mainland laws.
@Chocobeans – The Chinese government should abide by the 50 year treaty for Hong Kong. Change the Carrie Lam as head of the city, legally and formally withdraw the Extradition law..calling it dead is not official and in legalese does not mean anything, and to allow Hong Kong to continue as it has been.
China can enact any law they want, and if you break it, they can extradite you. Who would want that to happen if you live in Hong Kong…take for example, Marijuana, –this is legal in California, US and illegal in China, can the China then extradite you and charge your for using drugs like Korea does?
The Chinese government should end this as peacefully as possible, and no longer hurt the “Citizens” in Hong Kong if they want the Hong Konger’s to become one with China.
China should also stop their strong arm tactics in trying to convince the Hong Kong Education system to teach in all Mandarin. Let Hong Kong keep its unique culture instead of smothering it to death. Students can learn Mandarin as a second language, and pretty sure most students would like to learn as a choice.
You bringing up “Asians Being second class citizens” in Hong Kong..that was so long ago. It is like comparing the U.S. to when it first started with slavery and what not.
During 1997 for the turnover, Hong Kong has thrived, and became a world class city under British Rule. All Hong Kong is asking for is that the Chinese Government allow them the freedom that they have had. You can’t take away the freedom once they have it.
With the Chinese Government amassing military troops in Shenzen which is really just a thin line border from Hong Kong where you can walk over the line is very worrisome.
Used to be Russia that was demonized because it was seen as a major threat to Western hegemony. With the rise of China , Russia and Putin are getting a break . The Western corporate media has been disgusting int their coverage of HK unrest. The HK police have been so professional and restrained. Just watch some videos of the trigger happy US police in action to see actual police brutality.
The Western corporate media has been ignoring the Yellow Vest movement in France where the brave people are actually fighting for democracy and liberty from evil corporations and the incredibly greedy 1 %.
The real power is in the hands of GAFA … But Russia, China, Europe, USA…have something in common : they don’t care about the climatic crisis … and once again brave people are going to be the ones who are going to suffer.
@Jana Russia is still a threat to the Western World. It’s not seen as one they are one and they’re highly active in thwarting their critics and opponents. Does Salisbury, England and novichok nerve agent ring any bells? Or the crisis in Ukraine? For me Russia and China pose as the greatest threat to peace and a democratic free world and hence I’m afraid that they are the bogeymen waiting to pounce. I’m so grateful to the US and UK for the unwavering protection and rights to freedom because under Russia and China this would not exist. If you oppose them you’ll be another fatality count. That’s a fact.
Pfftt… USA & UK as the world protector??? What a jokeee… Wait, or are you really naive enough to believe that??
Nahhh… US A& UK only care about oil and money. That is why these two bombed Iraq and so persistent in branding China-Russia as “the evil”. If USA & UK realllly the angel, they should help Africa, no? Or kill Kim Jong Un coz N.Korea obviously threaten everyone with their nuclear bomb? USA won’t do it coz no oil/money involved.. LOL.
Psst.. USA wants the goldmine in my country (they have taken our gold for decades), and thankfully our new president won’t give any shit to them and demand they pay for the golds). So do you know what they do? USA tries to make us fight against each other. So much for world protector, isn’t it.. LOL.
@Alee_just Ever heard of what is the lesser of 2 evils? I’ll stand by the UK and USA any given day regardless if there was a choice over Russia and China. Obviously you’re new and really haven’t bothered with the thread of this discussion and I’m sorry that you feel wronged that the US are not helping you in Africa(sorry unsure of your country) but my people in the Pacific are grateful and indebted to the US servicemen during World War 2 we owe our lives and basic freedoms to them so our life loyalty and ties are strong. I’m of British descent and a Royalist I owe my gratitude to Queen Victoria for sending the British Navy to intercept Black birders kidnapping Pacific people in the 1860’s to work as forced labour in the guano mines of Peru. It is history and it is significant to my very life and freedom now.
I dont get what’s happening with Hong Kong, but I hope they dont destroy their City. As for these Chinese stars, I understand their side, unless they want to get stripped off their citizenship, cant come back home and become refugees in Korea. We dont want that, let’s hope for the peace of all.
Everybody can’t have the integrity of Chow Yun Fat, it seems. HKer celebrities openly endorsing police brutality? What a disappointment.
Mine is Liu Yifei and she sure knows how to cut her nose to spite her face. I was looking forward to Mulan and then she goes and does the whole “I also support the Hong Kong police,” Ah did anyone tell her the Disney film is due for release in 2020 and now there’s a call to #Boycott Mulan. What a sour impression to impose. And can I add there hasn’t been an outpouring of support for China in the protests from Chinese celebrities because I do have a few favourites and I haven’t read anything to date that they have pledged their allegiance so if they’re keeping tight lipped why on earth would the others just go ahead and out themselves? Or mind you I can’t read Mandarin.
@Ginger Cruch, I too cannot understand why she would go and do such a stupid thing. Definitely left a sour taste for Mulan now. It’s a shame that people turn their back on what is right, just for continual support from Communist China for her career. However, she forgot that she is trying to break into the U.S. market, and her supporting Communist China has alienated all the Asian Americans that did not forget how hard our ancestors have fought for freedom from Communists.
Too true @ Trucie Im sure Disney executives are like wth is up with you? And she’s most likely thinking….And what? Does she care of the impact her statement had? No probably not. I guess she’s sitting pretty knowing she’ll recoup her costs and increase her fan base in China to hell with everywhere else. Gosh if I was a Mulan producer I’d be asking why the he’ll didn’t I pick someone from the USA born and raised who was of Chinese descent??
“I support the Hong Kong police. You can all attack me now.” These words were said by Fu Guohao, a reporter for a Chinese newspaper, while he was being detained and attacked by PROTESTORS at Hong Kong’s airport. Videos of the airport assault have been circulated online and Fu’s quote is now a rallying call amongst both ordinary Chinese and celebrities against the increasingly violent demonstrations in Hong Kong.
I think that Hong Kong police have meted out unnecessary force during the demonstrations, but a cohort of protestors are guilty of being equally violent. There is video footage of protestors throwing bricks, molotov cocktails and charging at Hong Kong police which is under-reported (or in some cases, not mentioned) in Western news articles.
Given the context of Fu’s quote, I personally don’t see a problem with celebrities posting a message denouncing violent protests. Indeed, the ‘what a shame for Hong Kong’ banner can be interpreted as ‘what a shame for Hong Kong…the demonstrations couldn’t remain peaceful.’
Can you please not @Lisa try and disguise your support of what the Chinese Government are anticipating in locking the HK protesters down which is so thinly veiled I could drive a bus through it. Bricks, Molotov cocktails and umbrellas used as weapons by the HK protesters cos that’s what you do when you’re ‘fighting’ for your freedom compared to say tanks, AK 47 assault rifles, a fully laden Army contingent, Air strikes etc that could be used at any time at the bat of an eyelid. For those living in China you live under a totalitarian regime I understand your unwavering support for your Government so also please find the heart and understanding to know that HK protesters are resistance because the only way they know how to protect their freedom and that is to fight back even if it is to the death.
May I further add:
Thousands of Chinese military personnel have massed in Shenzhen, just across the bay from Hong Kong, and the country’s ambassador to London warned China would not “sit by and watch” when it had “enough solutions and enough power to quell the unrest swiftly”.
My Thoughts and prayers to the people of Hong Kong I am on your side. God bless you all. X
In my earlier comment, I wanted to provide some context as to how the ‘I support Hong Kong police’ quote originated and state my opinion on the matter of celebrities re-circulating the message on social media. I didn’t mention the Chinese government @Ginger Crunch. Under the one country, two systems principle, the Hong Kong police is independent from the jurisdiction of the Chinese government.
I’m also Australian with Chinese ancestry. I’m offended that you’ve automatically assumed that I have ‘unwavering support’ (I don’t) for the Chinese Government and have, by extension, surmised that I can’t empathise with the plight of protestors in Hong Kong.
I supported the peaceful demonstrations and I hope the situation in Hong Kong can be resolved without resorting to further violence. What I don’t support is harm to innocent bystanders – which was the situation with the reporter at the airport. He did nothing to provoke the attack. This is my opinion, and whilst it differs to yours, it’s just as worthy for consideration and respectful debate. Please don’t patronise my opinion under the guise of moral superiority.
It was just a matter of time with the ticking time Bomb Hk since the hand over… it’s too bad the protest didn’t remain peaceful …prayer for both sides: protestor and HK polices to come to middle…
I’m saddened, I have friends in Hong Kong and also In Taiwan. Their blood now are boiled with anger and despair. I hope China back down, respect the agreement that they signed 20 years ago. sighhh, never trust communist regime, they are bunches of liar, and dictators.
Hi Lisa, As you probably know judging from my commentary here and on other posts I don’t wax lyrical over the the plight and danger HK protesters are facing. It’s endemic that peaceful protests were going to become violent by both sides and the Chinese reporter is being hailed as a martyr so much so it made it to mainstream media allowing C celebs to reiterate his words yet no mention of any one from the HK side is given the same kudos. Where are the cries of the people being maimed and wounded strewn around in media posts? I can’t find any so please share if you do and the mere drop that you acknowledge your Chinese/Australian ancestry to further prove your point am I supposed to take heed now? I’m not Chinese so I didn’t know that I needed that entitlement to post my pro HK opinion here. Who’s showing moral superiority now?
Hello, in response to your comments Ginger Crunch:
“It’s endemic that peaceful protests were going to become violent on both sides…”
Was there not an opportunity to de-escalate tensions when the extradition bill was suspended? Carrie Lam is quoted as saying “…the bill has actually died. So people won’t need to worry that there will be renewed discussions on the bill in the current legislature.” There are those who argue semantics around the use of the term ‘died’ rather than ‘withdrawn’; but I think you’d agree that the suspension of the bill was a huge win for the protestors. This juncture was a missed opportunity for both sides to start a constructive dialogue and de-escalate the conflict.
‘“…yet no one from the Hong Kong side is given the same kudos”
I assume you’re referring to the lack of news on celebrities who support the demonstrations? Whilst many Hong Kong celebrities have remained silent, perhaps due to fear of hurting their careers in China, some have spoken out. Search for names such as Deanie Ip, Denise Ho, Anthony Yiu Ming Wong, Chapman To and Anthony Chau-sang Wong.
“Where are the cries of the people being maimed and wounded strewn around in media posts?”
Err… everywhere? References are easily found on social media and within news articles. You state that you know the ‘Chinese reporter is being held up as a martyr’ so you should also know about the female protester who was maimed in the eye. She’s now widely seen as a figurehead against Hong Kong police brutality. My understanding is that the peaceful airport protests turned violent after news of her injuries were widely circulated. The airport event was compounded by fears of undercover police infiltrators.
If Twitter’s a good gauge, the Chinese celebrity messages and #boycottMulan is now drawing more attention to the protests. Various photos and videos have also been published on the tear gas, rubber bullets and riot tactics deployed by Hong Kong police over the last few months. But, as I pointed out in my previous comment, this narrative only scratches the surface and important context is often dismissed in English media reports.
“The mere drop that you acknowledge your Chinese/Australian ancestry to further prove your point am I supposed to take heed now? I’m not Chinese so I didn’t know I needed that entitlement to post my pro HK opinion here. Who’s showing moral superiority now?”
I disclosed my heritage to rebuke the incorrect assumptions you held about me. You clearly implied that I was a brainwashed keyboard warrior living in China (‘you live under a totalitarian regime’) in your earlier response. I didn’t say that being Chinese is a prerequisite to voice an opinion; nor have I declared that my ancestry gives my views more moral weight – please don’t put words in my mouth.
I’ll argue that my heritage facilities a more measured outlook on China and Hong Kong – I’m naturally more inclined to go beyond the headlines, to question popular opinions and search for context. As a result, I do think it’s self-righteous to condone protestor violence because they’re ‘fighting for freedom’; only to condemn the same behaviour by Hong Kong police because they have a different goal. Both sides need to be held accountable for their actions and neither party is beyond reproach.
The Chinese military (and the war scenarios you put forward) is a moot point in this discussion. The military is in Shenzhen and the protestors have only faced their compatriots (the police) to date. I agree that the language and posturing of the Chinese government is worrying – just like you and many others, I don’t want to see any further conflict.
So to close off this wall of text – If you’re interested and have the time, please read about the history of Hong Kong and its relationship with China. Consider the wider social-economic challenges facing Hong Kong at the moment. Explore the logic behind Chinese government decisions and test them against Hong Kong’s (and, by extension, the West’s) growing fears. Research the reasons why many Chinese citizens are vocal in their support of their government (spoiler: it’s not all brainwashing, bots and duress). I did – and it certainly challenged a lot of my previously held views.
@Lisa Got it but unlike you I’m not going to dissect your response and add my commentary back sorry. Hence in any given situation there is Black and White with no grey matter in between. You’re definitely playing Devil’s advocate here. It’s obvious and clear when you mentioned the suppression of the bill. Like it’s room for discussion and progress. Well HK protesters must be unconvinced because they’re still fighting. Furthermore I’m not playing out war scenarios in my head it’s a very possibility and reality when tanks are positioned in Shenzhen. I don’t think they decided to go for a stroll in the country side. Can you please just choose a side as it will be a lot easier for those of us debating here instead of being whimsical and justifying the actions of the HK Police and China which you are doing.
@Lisa My previous comment did not show so I’m rewriting it again. In this thread we have 2 streams those that are for- China and those against -HK and from what I read you’re definitely playing Devil’s advocate and asking that I research more into this crisis when I’ve made very clear from the onset I’m ver much pro HK. No amount of research is going to sway my opinion otherwise. When a situation is either black or white there is no grey matter in between when you’re very reasoning shows you’re definitely in the grey. The ‘war scenarios’ that you aptly point out as perhaps a figurement of my imagination goes to further prove and strengthen your pro China in the very sense. Please don’t continue your affirmation of your pro China stance when it obvious where you stand. Mrs Octopus has joined the discussion so maybe you would like to school her on further researching of this highly contentious issue. For me I know where I stand on this need I say more? Thank you and I will not be replying back to you as I’ve made my point.
I am really surprised that so many people in the western world think China is such a good country! I guess that’s because I can read Chinese and I read a lots of “interesting” news from China. I never think it’s such a good place as some of you thought.
Somebody talking about VPN using in China, yes you can use it, but do you know that’s illegal in China? You can be arrested because you are using it.
People in XinJian are arrested and prisoned in the so called “education camp” because they are using WhatsApp. But hey why not using wechat? it’s ok to use in China as it’s from Tencent. Oh yes, I know another guy got arrested because he said something bad about our great president Xi.
Funny huh? Oh that’s another girl writing and publishing her own novel, which is about a homosexual story (with bed scene), and you know China do not have publishing right, so she was arrested and put in prison for 10 years for illegal business. Another girl, paid with $3000(RMB) to draw and design the cover, got 4 years imprisonment.
I can go on with all these ridiculous news in China, a place without freedom of speech, freedom of publicity and freedom to live without fear. You may ask, after 2047, there will be no more “one country two system”, but Hong Kong is promised to have their general election establish before 2047, which is never granted. People in Hong Kong are fighting for what they were promised only.
Well I’m still glad that so many people understand and support Hong Kong, may God bless this beautiful place!
And I can say some news about the bill is quite misleading in the English speaking society, as the HK government is using different wordings in Chinese and English speech. Carrie Lam said the bill is dead is not truth, it’s not “withdraw” but “suspended” only. In the recent news, there is document from the HK Lego council schedule showing that the bill is still on the list. It’s not dead but waiting to be revived.