[JumpCrisscross]

> the UK has lost interest in ensuring that Hong Kong’s Basic Law is respected

I agree. When I say through the UK, I mean through the UK’s standing in international law. That gives Hong Kong the ability to petition various bodies and sue in certain courts. It also gives legitimacy to e.g. the U.S. taking it on as a cause.

TL; DR There are ways for Hong Kong to make an overt treaty violation costly to Beijing. Unless Beijing is concerned about an imminent threat to its legitimacy and power, it’s unlikely to find those costs worth incurring.

[hdkrgr]

And when you say 'Hong Kong' can sue, you mean its pro-Beijing government?

[JumpCrisscross]

> when you say 'Hong Kong' can sue, you mean its pro-Beijing government?

When I sign contracts with a company, I negotiate against the imaginary dick who replaces the gentleman I know. Agreements outlast their signers. Politics can change.

[bobthepanda]

The head of Hong Kong's government is elected via a council mostly consisting of business interests with huge incentives to keep the territory's main trading partner (China) happy. Any change to this would require amending the Basic Law, which only China is allowed to do. Nothing short of a coup would change the current situation.