Despite the CCP’s attempts to disguise itself as a peacemaker and make friends in
Europe as a counterweight to the United States, there is little hope that China will stop
exporting threats to global human rights. Now, though, it seems some Westerners are
starting to understand this. The EU has issued a statement expressing grave concern
over the NSL. Germany responded to it by suspending its extradition treaty with Hong
Kong. It is a sign that a more multilateral alliance for holding China accountable could be
consolidating. All such pressure will help.
Most importantly, however, the CCP has not bargained for the fact that Hong Kongers
will not let their spirits be crushed. Though street demonstrations are now unlikely,
protest is still alive, but in a more subtle and tenacious form. People are instead trying
to help the movement quietly, economically, by using businesses that display a yellow
ribbon signifying support for the protest movement, and by strengthening advocacy
overseas, where people such as myself are now free from the party’s reach. Hong
Kongers expect democracies around the world to give them more support in their
attempts to safeguard their values-based system.
For years Hong Kongers have been protesting against the threat from mainland China.
We will never give up the struggle for our freedoms. If, as expected, in the coming year
China continues to grip Hong Kong in its iron fist, we will have to come up with new
ways to resist. But resist we will. May all democrats join us in the fight.
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