This is a thread for you all to post any kind of questions about China and Hong Kong, and as KZ said in 'Canada (with rules)' thread, get them answered from a person who is from that nation. I will be happy to answer you all and I hope I can do so!
Note: I doubt that I'll know more about politics than you guys do though, so I may not know the answer to questions considering politics.
Does mainland communist China have alot of influence in Hong Kong politics?
Well since HK is a sort of independent region, our politics aren't influenced much by Mainland China, although Mainland China do pick our CE (Chief Executive), which is a big thing, and it isn't much fair, and generally goes contradicting against our own politics.
One thing worth mentioning is that after the Opium War in 1997, a declaration was signed so that we, HK, would enjoy independence (mostly) from Mainland China for 50 years. What happens after that...is anyone's guess. I certainly dread that day.
Quote from: Idozen Cair on June 09, 2011, 08:28:16 AM
Well since HK is a sort of independent region, our politics aren't influenced much by Mainland China, although Mainland China do pick our CE (Chief Executive), which is a big thing, and it isn't much fair, and generally goes contradicting against our own politics.
What is the Chief Executive? Is like a prime minister or president?
Quote from: Idozen Cair on June 09, 2011, 08:28:16 AMOne thing worth mentioning is that after the Opium War in 1997, a declaration was signed so that we, HK, would enjoy independence (mostly) from Mainland China for 50 years. What happens after that...is anyone's guess. I certainly dread that day.
Anything can happen in 30-something years.
QuoteWell since HK is a sort of independent region, our politics aren't influenced much by Mainland China, although Mainland China do pick our CE (Chief Executive), which is a big thing, and it isn't much fair, and generally goes contradicting against our own politics.
What is the Chief Executive? Is like a prime minister or president?
The CE is almost equivalent to a Mayor, in US terms.
This may be going a bit off topic, but what does China think of Taiwan? They don't realize it as a sovereign country, but they don't really say it's not either... what is their position?
The Central Government recognizes Taiwan as a part of China, but they don't dare say it out loud because it would bring possible riots or protests, and would bring unwanted attention.
Why has China lasted so much longer than any empire that has ever been known. It supposedly lasted since it began.
Quote from: Dullahan on July 25, 2011, 03:34:22 AMWhy has China lasted so much longer than any empire that has ever been known. It supposedly lasted since it began.
What are you talking about? China has had dozens of kingdoms, empires, and governments. Which "empire" are you referring to?
Exactly. China has toppled many times over internally, and they face crushing poverty and disease. If that's "lasting" as an empire, I'm not sure I would want America to last.
Well you two kind of answered the question... Well though I do have to point out that the Four Empires, namely: India, China, Egypt and Babylon (Mespotamia) are supposedly the longest surviving empires in history, except for Babylon because it's already gone.
In conclusion, no, I don't know how to answer your question, Dullahan.
Do you think the Hong Kong system would work for Taiwan?
Depends on which system/policies from what category you're talking about.
Isn't the term "two systems, one country"? Like Hong Kong, would it work for Taiwan to have their own political, legal, and economic system, while the Mainland controls foreign policy and the military? Can the Mainland Communist Party be trusted to not use their sole control of the military and foreign policy to subjugate Taiwan or even Hong Kong?
Yes, no, and no.
Quote from: Duckling on September 25, 2011, 04:50:00 PM
Yes, no, and no.
Well answered!
To be truth though, 'two systems, one country' would apply to Taiwan if it was applied many years ago. Based on the relationship between Mainland and Taiwan currently though, I think Duckling is correct.
How do many Hong Kong residence view Taiwan and Tibet independence?
At the end of those fifty years, does Taiwan lose it's autonomy?