The Intelligence from The Economist Therein Lai’s a tale: Hong Kong’s revealing arrests
Aug 12, 2020
David Rennie, an expert on Chinese affairs based in Beijing, discusses the alarming implications of Jimmy Lai's arrest under Beijing's new security law. He highlights the broader impact on civil liberties and dissent in Hong Kong. Tom Gardner, The Economist's Addis Ababa correspondent, shifts the conversation to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, addressing its pride for Ethiopia and the tension it has created with Egypt over water rights. Together, they illuminate significant geopolitical conflicts and the grim realities of media repression.
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Jimmy Lai Arrest
- Hong Kong police arrested Jimmy Lai, owner of Apple Daily, for colluding with foreign forces.
- This dramatic arrest exemplifies Beijing's tightening grip on Hong Kong's freedoms under the new national security law.
Subtle Resistance
- Public protests are now too risky under the new law.
- Hong Kongers show subtle support, like buying out Apple Daily's increased print run to signal dissent.
Beijing's Strategy
- Beijing's law is effective because it prioritizes control over international opinion.
- This allows them to suppress dissent, potentially pleasing those who value stability over freedom.