Roadblocks force HK stars to take MTR (subway)

During the massive street protests, many Hong Kong stars were forced to take their MTR system (underground subway). The stars shared their pictures on social media, and there were many positive comments on their subway experience.

Aaron Kwok said, "I haven't been on the subway for 10 years, it's so much faster than driving my own car."

Hong Kong has a very good subway system. They are so good that Hong Kong MTR has been selected to operate the new Crossrail Line in London, from 2018.

I think for big cities, we need to build up a very good network of public transport like subways and buses.  Then we can cut reliance on private cars.  Public transport is the way to go.

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Hong Kong versus Bangkok street demonstrations

Good article on the key differences between the protests in Bangkok versus that of Hong Kong.

On Bangkok's demonstrations - "the Thai campaign was a sophisticated operation supported by deep pockets and wily tacticians."

On HK's demonstrations - "There is no management, there is no plan,"

Time is not on HK's demonstrators side. "If the Government does nothing, the world would lose interest," said clerical worker Mag Lui.

And that ought to be the number one strategy for the Hong Kong Government. Concede little. Do nothing. Let the protestors fizzle out.

How long can you last on donated biscuits and plain water anyway?

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Will there be another Tiananmen? - Hong Kong Protests

The prospect of Tiananmen looms large, in the minds of the Hong Kong protestors as well as the Chinese Communist Party.  The recognition that a Tiananmen situation could easily occur, is a good start.

However, it is not inconceivable that China would send the PLA into Hong Kong if the protestors cross the lines such that anarchy breaks out.  For instance,

1) Protestors start to occupy Government buildings and prevent HK Government from functioning.

2) Protestors go after key HK government officials, e.g. the Chief Executive

3) Protestors turn disorderly and start to destroy public property.

The challenge for the Hong Kong protestors is manifold.  There is no clear leadership, it has been rather spontaneous.  This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, without leaders, I am not sure who can negotiate with the Chinese Government on behalf of the protestors.

The young protest leader - what is his end goal?  If his goal is no less than free and unfettered elections for Hong Kong, I am not sure if the Chinese Communist Party would be able to stomach that.  If that outcome is unacceptable for the CCCP, then it looks like we are headed for some showdown.

In my own limited view, I do not think that China would use force unless they had absolutely no choice.

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Western Media Reporting Biased Against China - Hong Kong street protests

Singapore's Foreign Minister points out that Western media coverage is biased against China.

Key points highlighted.

1) Hong Kong did not have democracy during 150 years of British rule, yet the British Government are now talking as if there was democracy.  I don't understand what moral authority the British Government has to speak on this topic.  None whatsoever.

2) Beijing's proposal to let Hong Kong choose its own leader from a list of vetted leaders is far more than what British ever gave Hong Kong.

3) Universal Suffrage was not included in the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, the agreement that cemented the terms of the handover.

Foreign Minister Shanmugam has warned that China will be firm.  The Chinese Communist Party cannot let a small Hong Kong derail their power in China.  I hope the Hong Kongers know what is coming.

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Look at All the Protestors in Hong Kong

Drone shows the tens of thousands filling Hong Kong's streets. Amazing.

 

Hong Kong used to be a British colony.

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