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China Unscripted

#274 Why Do We Allow Ourselves to be Bullied by These People | Lord Chris Patten

Oct 22, 2024
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!
01:09:47

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

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