#274 Why Do We Allow Ourselves to be Bullied by These People | Lord Chris Patten
Oct 22, 2024
auto_awesome
Join Lord Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong and author of 'The Hong Kong Diaries,' as he sheds light on the oppressive nature of the Chinese Communist Party. He discusses the complexities surrounding Hong Kong's handover and the ongoing struggle for freedoms. Patten reflects on the vibrant spirit of the city, its significant protests, and the impact of Xi Jinping's regime. Additionally, he humorously critiques China's climate diplomacy, highlighting the contradictions in its international relations strategy. A deep dive into political bullying and historical legacies awaits!
Lord Chris Patten emphasizes the systematic erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong as a direct consequence of the Chinese Communist Party's oppressive regime.
The lack of enforceable mechanisms in the Sino-British Joint Declaration contributed to the vulnerability of Hong Kong's rights under increasing CCP control.
Deep dives
Totalitarian Vandalism
The current state of Hong Kong is characterized by totalitarian oppression, as articulated by Chris Patten, the last British governor of the territory. He labels the actions of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) as 'totalitarian vandalism' due to their systematic dismantling of the freedoms that once defined Hong Kong. Many Hong Kongers have left for exile, driven by a desire to raise their children in an environment of freedom rather than under oppressive rule. This deep-rooted fear instilled by the CCP reflects a broader concern about the potential demise of open societies in the face of totalitarian regimes.
The Issues with the Handover
The Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984 aimed to ensure Hong Kong's unique freedoms under the principle of 'one country, two systems.' However, due to the unique geopolitical situation and the contentious history of British colonialism, the negotiation process faced significant challenges. Patten reflects on how the understanding of 'rule of law' was a point of contention, with the Chinese leadership misinterpreting it as mere compliance with laws rather than a legal framework that holds everyone accountable. This misunderstanding paved the way for the gradual erosion of the rights promised to the citizens of Hong Kong.
Failure to Enforce Agreements
Despite establishing the Joint Declaration as an international treaty, there was no effective mechanism for enforcing its terms when the CCP began to rollback Hong Kong's freedoms. As Patten observes, the belief in the Chinese leadership's commitment to the agreement proved misguided; the CCP has a history of disregarding contractual obligations. The absence of an arbitral process in the treaty left the UK and Hong Kong vulnerable to the CCP's aggressive policies, culminating in the implementation of the Hong Kong national security law in 2020. This law marked a significant turning point, showcasing the CCP's blatant disregard for international agreements.
Reflections on Hong Kong's Future
Looking back at the protests in Hong Kong, especially those in 2019, Patten expresses a deep sense of loss for the democratic aspirations of the people. The mass mobilizations, previously unheard of during his governorship, illustrate the awakening of civic engagement among young Hongkongers. However, hearing from those in the diaspora, he recognizes the challenges they face in deciding whether to return to an increasingly hostile environment. Ultimately, Patten holds onto a hope for the future, acknowledging the resilience and courage of the people of Hong Kong while also grappling with the grim reality of their current situation under a repressive regime.
The Chinese Communist Party is a gangster regime. Yet countries around the world let themselves be bullied. Why? Joining us today is Lord Chris Patten, who was the last British governor of Hong Kong, from 1992-1997. He was until recently the chancellor of Oxford University. His most recent book is called the Hong Kong Diaries. Don't forget to subscribe to the channel and hit that bell icon to get notified when new videos come out: https://bit.ly/3u1eKSZ And check out our other channel China Uncensored: https://youtube.com/channel/UCgFP46yVT-GG4o1TgXn-04Q Merchandise: https://www.chinaunscripted.com/merchandise Our website: https://www.chinaunscripted.com/ YouTube demonetizes our videos, which is why we rely on support from viewers like you. Please join our 50¢ army at: https://www.patreon.com/chinaunscripted https://www.chinauncensored.locals.com https://www.chinaunscripted.com/support Our social media: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ChinaUncensored Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChinaUncensored Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChinaUncensored #China
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode