In denial: Hong Kong independence calls ignore the inextricable link to China

Some radical localists are promoting independence for Hong Kong. Behind this stance lies the belief that the city’s future is purely a matter for Hong Kong people and none of the Chinese government’s business.

This makes me hesitate, not only because of my personal patriotic convictions that, as a Chinese, I want to see the betterment of Chinese people. It is also because Hong Kong’s destiny is deeply linked with the future of China. It is not only that most of our basic necessities come from the mainland, but also that Hong Kong, from the very beginning, has needed patronage to maintain interaction and communications with the outside world.

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When we look back to the 1980s, the principle of “one country, two systems” stipulated in the Basic Law was the best option for the handover. The Basic Law, as a mini-constitution, was endorsed by the Chinese and British governments and recognised internationally. Although Hong Kong people were excluded from the Sino-British dialogue, the articles in the Basic Law were highly acceptable to the public.

If we take a stance for independence, then we are saying we will give up the Basic Law and the “one country, two systems” principle. The Basic Law stipulates that both the Hong Kong public and the Chinese government should abide by the mini-constitution. We certainly do not wish to see any harmful practices transplanted into Hong Kong territory or action by mainland law-enforcement officials here.

Without the Basic Law, what would guide Hong Kong’s development? It provides us with constitutional rights that limit Beijing’s interference in Hong Kong’s affairs. When the Chinese government crosses the border, Hong Kong people can complain openly and defend our autonomy based on the judicial system here. Moreover, Beijing needs to explain its actions to both the Hong Kong public and the international community. Without such protection, nobody can defend our rights.

Hong Kong has never been an isolated island. It is part of the international community. The Basic Law guides how Hong Kong works with the world and, to the international community, it is far more than a piece of paper; it is an oath made by the both the Chinese and British governments.

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Without this background, the Basic Law is empty. If we take it out of the equation, where is the constitutional framework and its background support in which the international community can place its trust? Any uncertainty over Hong Kong’s future will lead to disaster for the people and the economy.