By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, May 26: Demonstrations in Hong Kong drew global attention on Sunday as the people there opposed the new security law proposed by the National People’s Congress (NPC). Hong Kong rose again with protestors chanting slogans for “Five demands, not one less” in reference to the five demands posed during the anti-government protests in June last year.
The demonstrations have gained international support, along with message of solidarity by International Tibet Network members, a coalition of 170 Tibet-related campaign organisations, which has urged “world governments to take immediate multilateral action to defend the rights of the people of Hong Kong,”
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam extended support for mainland China’s move, defending the legality of NPC adding that the new bill is “sound and robust”. The Chinese liaison office spokesperson strongly condemned the demonstration, “We sternly warn these people and the forces behind them not to underestimate the central government’s rock-firm determination to uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests and to safeguard Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and Hong Kong compatriots’ fundamental interests.”
The solidarity message by Tibet activists condemn China’s attempt at the draconian imposition of this new bill, “We send our solidarity support to all those protesting in Hong Kong right now. Xi Jinping, and leaders of the Chinese Communist Party, have failed to quash the aspirations of the people of Hong Kong, Tibet, East Turkestan, Southern Mongolia and China for democracy and liberty. We share a common desire for basic human rights; a desire shared with millions around the world and our collective resistance will endure until we all experience the sweet taste of freedom.”
Hong Kong police fired tear gas, used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse thousands of demonstrators. Water cannon trucks and armoured police vehicles were seen going into Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts where protestors tried to block a road as more than 100 people have already been detained. Demonstrators ignored COVID-19 regulations to make their demands known as Al Jazeera reporter recounted Sunday clashes, “The protesters are not just defying social-distancing rules, they’re also defying an order by Hong Kong’s police not to hold this unauthorised assembly – and, of course, they are once more defying Beijing.”
PLA commander, Chen Daoxiang said that 10,000 troops are prepared to ‘safeguard’ city’s sovereignty as Beijing warn against ‘underestimating’ China. “Garrison officers and soldiers are determined, confident, and capable of safeguarding national sovereignty and development interests and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong,” Chen said Tuesday, adding that he viewed the national security law as “conducive to deter separatist forces and external intervention.”
This new security bill has been feared by activists and lawmakers as another route to endanger Hong Kong’s unique semi-autonomous status and its legislature. Protestors are expected to demonstrate on Wednesday as the debate on ‘national anthem bill’ is scheduled at the Legislative Council of Hong Kong.
