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Hong Kong

Growth Sans Growth~II

It seems democracy and capitalism no longer go together. We have so far believed that democracy gives people freedom of choice, an essential prerequisite for economic activities to flourish. The question is if this is the true face of neoliberal capitalism, would we want to look at it? Should we not think instead how a possible transition to reduced consumption, reduced production and reduced profit can be made compatible with social security and stability while fulfilling the basic human needs that modern living demands?

Standoff at LAC

China is on the horns of a dilemma. Can it afford to risk losing the sovereignty over a part of its proud belt and road project? That would not be the end of the saga of sovereignty. At stake would be Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang, the Muslim province to its west which Mao Zedong captured rather curiously in 1950; it was formerly known as East Turkestan.

Mr Johnson’s overture

With protests becoming ever more violent in Hong Kong and elections producing pro-democracy legislatures, the possibility that China would wreak revenge and end the “one country, two systems” arrangement could not be discounted.