Can Protests in Hong Kong Stop Beijing?

The protests in Hong Kong represent a key turning point for China, Hong Kong, and the world.

Hong Kong is in the midst of the most significant protest movement since China assumed sovereignty in 1997.  These protests were sparked by a proposed law that could permit people in Hong Kong to be extradited to mainland China to face trial. Protesters fear that this law could be used by authorities in Beijing to erode the rights and liberties currently enjoyed by people in Hong Kong.

At the heart of these protests is the longterm viability of Hong Kong's independence from China

When sovereignty over Hong Kong was transferred from the United Kingdom to China in 1997, there was embedded in that agreement the principle of one country, two systems. In other words, while Hong Kong is formally part of China, the political and judicial system, civil liberties and rights enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong would be respected by authorities in Beijing.

However, as my guest today MK Tam explains, that prin…