Hong Kong is different from the rest of China, but that’s no justification for advocating separatism

Anson Au says separatist movements have historically exacted a high price and there are far less drastic ways to ensure that Hong Kong preserves its identity and culture

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Andy Chan, convenor of the Hong Kong National Party, speaks at the Foreign Correspondents' Club on August 14. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 5:00am, 22 Aug 2018Updated: 7:10am, 22 Aug 2018

Hong Kong National Party leader Andy Chan Ho-tin’s speech at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club last week, calling for Hong Kong independence, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and mudslinging across the political spectrum. Former chief executive Leung Chun-ying has attacked the FCC for betraying the government’s faith, the club has issued statements on the importance of free speech and others have seized the opportunity to reiterate their call for democracy.

Now, Chan could face potential prosecution, which should not happen – if not for the sake of press freedom, then to show that childish absurdities such as his beliefs should be shrugged off. Chan claims we cannot be part of the same nation if we have cultural or political differences and anything to the contrary is imperialist propaganda, so we need to rid ourselves of China altogether – as if the only response to difference is to renounce all ties with it.

His rationale is typical of separatist movements, suggesting that because our society’s problems have remained unresolved under the current government, they can’t be fixed, so we should start a revolution and voilà – our problems will disappear along with the current government. But buying a new house just because we dislike the wallpaper in the old one is irresponsible, as is using the entire political system as a scapegoat, for popular appeal.

It’s important to keep sight of the big picture. Evidence from countries around the world teaches us about the long-term, widespread consequences that separatist forces threaten to unleash. Separatist movements spurred by ideological pride only hurt the separating society, especially if they win.

Hong Kong is different from the rest of China, but that’s no justification for advocating separatism

Anson Au says separatist movements have historically exacted a high price and there are far less drastic ways to ensure that Hong Kong preserves its identity and culture

Watch: Activist Andy Chan delivers FCC talk despite protests