| > [1] Clam down on Apple Daily, the only pro-democratic (that I know of) news outlet in Hong Kong Apple Daily (Chinese: 蘋果日報) was a tabloid-style newspaper published in Hong Kong from 1995 to 2021. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Daily If apple daily is the only pro democracy, which is a tabloid style newspaper, the conclusion is that HK democracy is likely a very poor one. If apple daily is not the only pro democracy news outlet, I think shutting it down is contributing to a healthy democracy. > [2] Directors of Apple Daily arrested https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Media-Entertainment/Shares-... It seems the market welcomes that... It either means the market cares little about democracy, or Jimmy is not really the friend of democracy as himself proclaimed. > [3] 65,000 applications of BN(O) visa, the visa for HKers to move to the UK. HK population is around 7.5M https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handover_of_Hong_Kong#Tide_of_... Let's how bad this compares to the 1990s after Tiananmen square... I think it probably wont surpass that. Note the 1992 peak is 66000 actually leaving, your number is just applications. > [4] Youtubers exodus, for fear of government prosecution in the name of the national security or for whatever reason. Similar to the above. > [5] 230 Democrats quitting local council. https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/simp/chinese-news-57816972
They seem are disqualified on the new oath rule? Which says that if they do not take oath to be loyal to the HK government, they'll be disqualified. So they decide to resign first. Well, I believe CCP is very happy that they gave up so easily... > [7] People were arrested in the name of national security here and there. A charity, formed last year, providing inmate visiting service, will be dismissed. Only Chinese source available at the moment Your link is about a non profit disbanded fearing of crackdown. > [8] During the peak of mass migration in the 90s, 62,000 people per year moved away from HK. Compare with 65,000 moving to the UK in the first 6 months I guess if HK economy were hurt enough because of this exodus, it helps to guide the democracy sentiment of the society. |
> If apple daily is the only pro democracy, which is a tabloid style newspaper, the conclusion is that HK democracy is likely a very poor one.
Hong Kong doesn't have true democracy. On surface it might follow the British system [0]. The chief executive, the equivalent of mayor, is elected by the election committee of 1,200 members [1]. Slightly over half of the legislative council, the equivalent of the parliament, is the "functional constituency", which means those members are appointed by selected member of selected industries [2]. Hong Kong has been pushing for universal suffrage every year. Every year, peaceful demonstration is seen on 1st of July to ask for reforming the election[3]
> It seems the market welcomes that...
It is more nuanced. Some are market manipulation. Some wants to support Jimmy Lai. There were people spreading rumours on lihkg.com, the hong kong reddit, that buying stock of apple daily can financially support the company. There are people thinking the company will soon be de-listed, which is more likely true, hence want a piece of history by getting a physical stock. Some want to make a profit by riding the market trend hence perpetuating the rising trend.
> your number is just applications.
You are right. Some factor to consider:
- the numbers I quoted is for the UK only. US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan are the other company choices
- There are around 300,000 Canadian in HK. They can leave anytime [4]. And there are many holders of other citizenship whom returned HK after the 90s migration, sensing that HK weren't as bad as imagined.
> They seem are disqualified on the new oath rule?
The new oath rule was imposed after the election if I remember correctly. And there is no governance over the execution of the rule. It's basically up to whoever in position thinks you violated the rule. No proof is needed.
> non profit disbanded fearing of crackdown.
I might have misused the term charity. Non-profit fearing crackdown is still wrong, right? It was a non-profit for visiting inmate, so they feel cared, after all
> it helps to guide the democracy sentiment of the society
People leaving the city are those either who care about democracy or who care about economy. So I hold opposite opinion. Time will tell.
[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Separation_of_powers_in_Hong_K...
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Election_Committee_(Hong_Kong)
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_constituency_(Hong_...
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Kong_1_July_marches
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadians_in_Hong_Kong