The West’s Stake in Hong Kong: Diplomat

Hong Kong protests continue after seven months, bringing scrutiny to the territory’s relationship with China and the promises for semi-autonomy through 2047. Disagreement between protesters and the Hong Kong government is not a local issue, but a “complicated geopolitical issue involving great power competition,” explains Brian C.H. Fong for the Diplomat and HongKong Brief. He describes the concept of Hong Kong’s “internationalized autonomy”: Hong Kong’s framework, based on multiple international agreements, poses national security and trade implications for Western nations. Fong explains that the unrest and harsh response gives many nations “reasons to monitor whether Hong Kong is sufficiently separated from China to exercise its autonomous powers and to fulfill the bilateral agreements.” Fong expects the West to continue scrutinizing the state of autonomy for Hong Kong and China’s accountability, described by China as “foreign interference.” Fong concludes, “ironically, the stronger China’s control over Hong Kong, the stronger the incentive for international oversight on Hong Kong’s autonomy – and vice versa.” Understanding the territory’s autonomy requires understanding the ongoing three-way interactions of Hong Kong, China and the West. – YaleGlobal

The West’s Stake in Hong Kong: Diplomat

Hong Kong’s autonomy is a complicated geopolitical issue involving great power competition – and tax havens
Brian C.H. Fong
Thursday, January 23, 2020

Read the article from the Diplomat about the West’s interest in Hong Kong. 

Brian C.H. Fong is a comparative political scientist based in Hong Kong. Apart from academic work, he is leading several civil society organizations in Hong Kong including serving as the secretaries-general of Network DIPLOProgressive Scholars GroupHKBASE Hong Kong Business Association of Sustainable Economy, and Project Civic Autonomy. His personal website is here.

Investing Countries 2017	 British Virgin Islands	38% China	21% Cayman Islands	19% Singapore	10% Bermuda	2% Japan	2% US	1% 	 FDI Sectors, 2017	 Banking	15% Investment, holding services	62%

(Sources: Santander Trade and Investopedia)

	FDI Stock (US$ billions) 2016	$1.63  2017	$1.94  2018	$2.00

(Source: Santander Trade)

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