[Anthony Chan], author of "Li Ka-shing, Hong Kong's Elusive Billionaire," currently on the South China Morning Post bestseller list, believes that few changes will occur when Hong Kong is returned to China's control.
"China needs Hong Kong as much as Hong Kong needs China," said Chan, explaining that because Hong Kong is the "jewel in the crown" and a huge moneymaker, no one will make money or be prosperous if the relationship between Hong Kong and China goes awry.
Hong Kong will be a "Special Administrative Region," with law and a constitution registered at international headquarters in The Netherlands. It will not be a Chinese city, so the next 50 years will afford Hong Kong much autonomy, according to Chan. Instead of Communism, Hong Kong will engage in Free-Enterprise Nationalism, according to Chan.
Local educators say it will be `business as usual' in HK
By Emily Rogers
NW Asian Weekly
North Seattle Community College professor Wei Djao and University of Washington professor Anthony Chan spoke about the history of the crown colony and crucial issues facing the future political stability and economic prosperity of Hong Kong at a presentation last month at North Seattle Community College.
Professor Wei Djao, a member of the faculty in Asian Studies and Sociology at North Seattle, spoke about the historical aspects of Hong Kong. Djao believes that residents of Hong Kong will be celebrating when the handoff takes place and the Union Jack flag comes down next Monday, June 30.
"The reason for celebrating is the last 100 years have been a period of deep humiliation," said Djao. She explained that in 1800, China was a very prosperous country with a trade surplus in its favor. Because of the inbalance of trade, the British smuggled opium into China, beginning 100 years of humiliation and a series of what became known as Opium Wars. When China lost the first Opium War, Hong Kong was turned over to British control.
"If you ask the people of China or Hong Kong today, they are confident in their future," said Djao. "The importance of stability cannot be emphasized too much."
Chan, author of "Li Ka-shing, Hong Kong's Elusive Billionaire," currently on the South China Morning Post bestseller list, believes that few changes will occur when Hong Kong is returned to China's control.
"China needs Hong Kong as much as Hong Kong needs China," said Chan, explaining that because Hong Kong is the "jewel in the crown" and a huge moneymaker, no one will make money or be prosperous if the relationship between Hong Kong and China goes awry.
"I'm beginning to think the next century is going to be the Chinese century," said Chan.
When Hong Kong returns to Chinese control, British Gov. Chris Patten will be replaced by Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa, who, unlike Patten, was appointed by 400 citizens from a wide sampling of Hong Kong society.
In the U.S., when government changes hands, one of the first things the president-elect expects is for cabinet officers to tender their resignations so that the new president can make appointments. By contrast, when Hong Kong changes hands in July, only two members of the Hong Kong Legislative Council will be leaving.
"Hong Kong, business as usual" is Chan's belief. He said that the major changes that will occur after the hand-off are that the Chinese will no longer be second-class citizens in Hong Kong, and more Mandarin and less English will be spoken there.
Hong Kong will be a "Special Administrative Region," with law and a constitution registered at international headquarters in The Netherlands. It will not be a Chinese city, so the next 50 years will afford Hong Kong much autonomy, according to Chan. Instead of Communism, Hong Kong will engage in Free-Enterprise Nationalism, according to Chan.
"Only Americans are afraid things are going to change," said Chan.
"There's a suspicion in the New York Times and Washington Post that `Big Brother' will take over Hong Kong in 1997," said Chan, explaining that since those in the U.S. read English, journalists and government officials will need to monitor the Chinese Press to find out about freedom of expression in China.
Emily Rogers is a student in the University of Washington School of Communications News Lab.
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