WE ARE WRITING THE WORLD HISTORY – HONG KONG AS THE GEOPOLITICAL FOREFRONT OF SINO-US POLITICS

While Hong Kong is not widely seen as an independent actor in global politics because it does not enjoy sovereignty, it has played an important role in the dynamics of Sino-US relations. However, there are few discussions about Hong Kong’s interactions with the international community, not to mention the stake of the city and its fellow citizens in world politics.

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The topic of this presentation reveals how Hong Kong has been inextricably linked to Sino-US relations, thus serving as the geopolitical forefront of Sino-US politics. 1997 signifies the handover of sovereignty of Hong Kong from the United Kingdom to China. This year has marked a turning point in Hong Kong’s politics, which has also aroused the United States’ fear that Hong Kong cannot preserve its capitalist and semi-democratic system. Meanwhile, this fear also provides an opportunity for Hong Kong to act as a unique indicator to evaluate whether China is becoming more aggressive in violating democracy and human rights norms.

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As an intersection point of the West and the East, Hongkongers are able to observe and participate in the development of relations between China and the US. The relatively stable political and economic environment in the first two decades since Hong Kong’s handover has arguably assured the United States that China is not depriving Hong Kong of its autonomy and fundamental values, therefore contributing to a more peaceful relationship. Nonetheless, following the outbreak of social movements and implementation of political reforms, the US has been issuing condemnations and imposing sanctions against China and Hong Kong officials, which also exacerbated their hostility. Hong Kong’s changes and continuity as well as people’s own participation in changing their city’s destiny and defending its prosperity have therefore brought a long-lasting impact on the two countries’ ties. As we sail into a new era of Hong Kong, every individual is watching and co-writing a new chapter of Hong Kong’s future and world history.

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This presentation concludes that the development of Hong Kong is an important factor shaping the relations between the two major powers. We as Hongkongers should never underestimate our city’s importance in global politics and world history. This also shows a resonance with the conference’s aim: reflecting and embracing our unique position in the world.

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Abstract available at: https://indico.oxhkforum.com/event/2/contributions/16/contribution.pdf (require registration)