Ex-World Bank chief Robert Zoellick says Hong Kong leaders have lost touch, warns of ‘dangerous situation’

Former top US trade official laments the new view in Washington that cooperation with Beijing has failed, but remains optimistic the two powers can turn their ties around

Americans are unnerved by China’s use of technology to monitor its population, Zoellick adds, and ‘many people in the US find it creepy’

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Former World Bank president Robert Zoellick. Photo: AFP

Published: 9:11pm, 20 Sep 2019Updated: 5:10pm, 22 Sep 2019

Hong Kong’s leaders are out of touch with the people and have been slow to respond to their needs, according to former World Bank president Robert Zoellick.

The former top US trade official said the city was in a “dangerous situation” and any further escalation of its violent protests could also worsen China’s tensions with the United States.

“I’m very concerned that the Hong Kong government has lost touch with its public, including on issues such as housing for young people,” Zoellick said on Friday at a round table event in Singapore organised by Chinese media group Caixin. “I think we are in a very dangerous situation because you can see how people can lose control.”

Hong Kong’s current turmoil has surpassed the 100-day mark and shows no sign of slowing. What began as peaceful demonstrations against an extradition bill have descended into often violent unrest.

Some radical protesters have called on US President Donald Trump to intervene on their behalf in their quest for democratic reform – a move that has incensed Beijing, which has blamed foreign “black hands” for the city’s troubles.