Hong Kong Shift to Chinese Rule

Your Dec. 26 editorial, “China Roughs Up Hong Kong,” is a very timely one. I just returned from my visit to Hong Kong and found the situation there sensitive and interesting. From the people that I talked to, be they neutral, pro-China and or pro-democracy elements, one thing they are concerned with was the rights of the Hong Kong people after China’s takeover.

China promised to the people of Hong Kong in 1984 that China will practice no change of anything within 50 years of its takeover; self-rule by Hong Kong people, and “one country, two systems.” However, what the Hong Kong people have witnessed for the past several years is to the contrary. China has not only changed or threatened to change the political structure before its takeover, but has unwisely meddled in the internal affairs of Hong Kong (although the Hong Kong government has agreed to “consult” with the Chinese government).

The basic human rights which the people of Hong Kong have enjoyed for the past 100 years are at stake, and whether or not China will deliberately infringe upon this essential ingredient will ultimately decide the economic and financial well-being of Hong Kong. If China keeps its promise to allow Hong Kong to rule itself (not the cronies chosen by Beijing but by free election), Hong Kong will continue to flourish and lay golden eggs for all; if not, none of the parties will benefit.

DAVID MA

International Vice President

Federation for a Democratic China

Monterey Park

* Your editorial about Hong Kong is unbelievably narrow, misguided and feather-headed. You blame China for making trouble about arrangements in Hong Kong when the British vacate in 1997. After more than a century, and following their agreement to allow China to resume authority over the area that had been taken away by force, Britain is suddenly establishing a democratic political structure there. It is ironic and cynical that Britain only now seeks to foster local democratic rule, attempting to foist on China something it would not accept itself when it exercised colonial control.

China has a legitimate right to reject strictures that are set by a non-Asian nation to promote its own self-interests, and which were pursued by Britain with full knowledge that these would be offensive and unacceptable to China. China is an economic and military superpower and like the others in that league won’t tolerate being locked in to policies promoted by a lesser entity. At the same time, Hong Kong has a right to negotiate for maximal local autonomy under the new circumstances. Britain should get out the way and let Hong Kong and China settle their mutual affairs.

JACK ROTHMAN

Los Angeles