Times Talk Thursday: Hong Kong Calls for U.S. Help. China Sees Conspiracy.

On Thursday, Nov. 7th, Frostburg State students, faculty, and staff met once again for a bi-monthly Times Talk Thursday. At this Times Talk, the article up for discussion was “Hong Kong Protestors Call for US Help. China sees Conspiracy”. This article is extraordinarily relevant to current international affairs, placing a particular emphasis on how the United States’ involvement, or lack thereof, will impact Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China alike.

The protests now taking place in Hong Kong are centered around a battle for democracy. Some of the issues brought up at this past Times Talk involved the question of whether or not it is the role of the United States to defend a fight for democracy wherever it might exist, or if it would be better that our nation chooses not to get too involved considering our relationship with the PRC.

Protests began in the autonomous region of Hong Kong at the beginning of June 2019. These protests were centered around the disapproval of an extradition bill that would allow for criminal suspects to be extradited from Hong Kong to mainland China under particular circumstances.

Until 1997, Hong Kong was under a British colony that hence operated under British rule. If one were born in Hong Kong, these made them a British citizen. The people of Hong Kong lived under a very different system than those in mainland China, experiencing more rights under a more autonomous government. This agreement is described as “one country, two systems.” 

Although the extradition bill was withdrawn in September, conflict between protestors and police officers have become increasingly violent. Protestors assert that the bill’s withdrawal in September was “too little, too late” given the fact there was roughly 4 month period from May to September in which the bill was only suspended, not withdrawn. During this time, violence escalated and chaos took over. The end of these protests is not in sight at this time, with dangers increasing each and every day.

Given the current relationship between mainland China and Hong Kong, a question exists as to whether or not it is right for members of the international community to become involved. What would international involvement mean in terms of strategic alliances, trade wars, and economic ties? Will US involvement not be considered appropriate until the violence has become unbearable?

Hong Kong seeks the aid of the U.S. due to the fact the U.S. is seen as a champion of democracy. The U.S. plays a symbolic role in what is currently taking place in Hong Kong and protestors wish for President Trump to take a stronger stand against the government housed in Beijing. Although many American officials have stood in solidarity for Hong Kong, others argue that the U.S. should exercise immense caution in how it goes about supporting Hong Kong in this situation.

Increased American involvement will undoubtedly be used by Beijing as leverage for its claims the pro-democracy movement is one fueled by foreign forces. The Chinese government has a number of conspiracy theories centered around American involvement in the current unrest that occupies much of their country. Overall, the role of the U.S. in this event hinders upon Mr. Trump, who currently has yet to make any consistent public announcements in regards to his stance.

Times Talk Thursdays invite every member of Frostburg’s campus to come together and satisfy their intellectual curiosity in an hour and a half discussion about pressing domestic and international news.

The next Times Talk will be held on Dec. 4th, from 12:30-2 p.m. in the Lane University Center. Every student has a subscription to the “New York Times” using their FSU email. Students can check their Spotlight emails to be informed of what article will be next discussed as the Dec.  4th date approaches. These events are sponsored by FSU’s Beall Institue for Affairs and the Office of Civic Engagement.

Times Talk Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/03/world/asia/hong-kong-protesters-call-for-us-help-china-sees-a-conspiracy.amp.html