This phony issue stems from a lack of confidence in China’s pledge to allow Hong Kong “a high degree of autonomy” for 50 years. The Hong Kong government, determined to show its loyalty, is suggesting that the mere discussion of independence is dangerous, possibly illegal. Hong Kong can only become independent with China’s blessing, which seems highly unlikely. There is little reason for China to decide to expel Hong Kong, as Malaysia expelled Singapore. Perhaps that is what the pro-independence advocates should work toward: a scenario in which China is so sick of Hong Kong that it thinks the best thing to do is to expel Hong Kong and its 7.2 million people from the Chinese nation.

Source: Manila Times August 22, 2016 16:41 UTC