From Tiananmen to Hong Kong

2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the events in Tiananmen Square. The stories emerging from Hong Kong remind us of the nature of the People's Republic of China. In my piece for The Times of Malta (21.IX.2019), I explain why this country still presents a conundrum:

"There also seems to be agreement among liberals and conservatives over the dangerous nature of the Chinese regime... Much of the discourse in the West speaks about the “rise of China.” This is incorrect. The Chinese have always been a great civilisation – the centre of a vast and strong empire which was commonly referred to as “the Middle Kingdom.” It was surrounded by relatively smaller countries which did not pose a threat to its existence.

Historically, before the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, China recognised other countries as tributaries to Beijing. It did not regard itself as being equal to other states, and it did not seek to engage with the rest of the world.

Perhaps much of this attitude prevails to this day. Its dominant economic position has placed it, once again, in a position of superiority. Its careful use of soft power, the promise of lucrative commercial investment and its ruthless regime have turned most other countries into old tributaries of Beijing. It has few friends on the international system. But this is matched by the weak voices who demand more accountability on its human rights record."

The full article may be read by clicking here.