Published by: Chinese Community Forum, Wednesday, June 4, 1997

By Rich Teng

I was watching NightLine this past week, and it focused on Hong Kong.

Specifically, the discussion was about the coming return of HK to China and

how it would and does affect HK's political and economic situation.

There are, of course, two diametrically opposing views on China's handling of the HK affair. The first espouses the position that HK would continue to prosper under Beijing's auspices and that the HK Legislature would be permitted to function under democratic principles. To prove their point, these pro-Beijing supporters enthusiastically reminds us of the real estate paradigm in which HK's political security goes hand in hand with the price of real estate. There is such an abundance of confidence, albeit within the wealthy class which can readily access other resources and options, that prices of land and housing have spiraled upwards. The rationale behind this argument is that an exodus out of HK would produce a real estate glut which, in turn, would result in a sharp decline in market value. But since the business elite has determined that a China-controlled HK would serve to further their interests, this kind of optimism has translated into a financial bonanza for the real estate market. A house sel

ling for $500,000 a decade ago is now worth $50 million. There is a

tract of land in HK where the average price is between $30-50 million. This, claims the pro-Beijing people, is one of the best examples of the high level of confidence that HK has in China.

The other view, understandably, does not share in the hopeful optimism of these business tycoons. These pro-democracy people see the pro-Beijing side as merely salespeople for Beijing. Inevitably, charges have been raised concerning the personal motives of these pro-Beijing backers. But is that really an issue? Both sides have personal concerns regarding HK, and it would be naive to think otherwise. I believe the real issue should be how these individuals can incorporate their personal agendas with a grander scheme and vice versa. The future of HK should not rest on the foundation of any one particular faction.

As a Chinese, it does give me great satisfaction to be able to witness the realization of the end of British imperial rule in China. As you know, HK

was ceded to Britain as the result of the Opium War....a war China fought

to resist the importation of opium into China. London, having banned opium in the UK, forced open China's doors and actively encouraged the usage of opium. While I recognize that HK has prospered under British rule, I also see that Britain does not regard HK and its people as legitimate British citizens. The people of HK are denied British citizenship, passports, and the rights and privileges accorded to rightful citizens. Even the governor, by de facto proclamation, must be white. This twilight status is unacceptable and insulting. But this does not necessarily denote undue dissatisfaction. Indeed, HK denizens enjoy one of the highest living standards in Asia if not the world. I cannot deny the positive impact that British rule has had on HK, but it is time for HK to return to Chinese sovereignty.

Memories of past injustices should be forgiven but not forgotten. Both London and Beijing need to rectify their own sense of righteousness. Beijing should not be too focused on 19th century British imperialism, and London need to be more sensitive to Chinese interests. Only time will tell how HK's political future will shine through Beijing's prism: either a wide spectrum or a narrow beam.