Hong Kong Freedom Crisis November 18, 13:48

Hong Kong where everyone could speak freely.

However, such freedom is at stake.

Democratic activists and directors of TV stations that produced programs critical of the police were arrested one after another.

In addition, parliamentary pro-democracy members were disqualified by the Hong Kong government.

This time, let's think about what is happening in Hong Kong asking us.

Challenge the problem!

First is the entrance exam question.

Problem

Hong Kong was returned from England to China in 1997.

At that time, the Chinese government promised that "even if it becomes a part of China, Hong Kong will be allowed a high degree of autonomy for the next 50 years."

What do you call this promised content?

(La Salle Junior High School 2020 renamed)

This promise at the time of return is key to considering the current situation in Hong Kong.

Let's start with history.

Hong Kong returned from England to China

The time is the 19th century, and China is the Qing dynasty.

After the Opium War, Hong Kong was under British rule.

In 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China.

At this time, what was applied to Hong Kong was the "one country, two systems" that promises a high degree of autonomy for 50 years.

The "one country, two systems" maintained the political, economic, and social systems of the British rule, while the sovereignty was in China.

It seems that China at that time had the idea of ​​developing its economy while using Hong Kong as the window of the world.

So, the correct answer is "one country, two systems."

Freedom maintained by one country, two systems is at stake

Time has passed and China has become the world's second largest economy.

Xi Jinping regime, for freedom, which has been maintained under the one country, two systems, will continue to strengthen the tightening.

Police sometimes regarded the peaceful election rally of democratic activists as illegal demonstrations and forced them out with tear gas.

And the big milestone is June 2020.

China has introduced the "Hong Kong National Security Law" as "for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong".

The target of the crackdown was an act that harmed national security.

We asked Tomoko Ako, a professor at the University of Tokyo, who is familiar with the situation in Hong Kong, about how this law changed Hong Kong.

Mr. Ako

"Even if you talk a little, someone might record it with a surveillance camera and use it as evidence to say that you are involved in national security. Therefore, you can't even make a joke. Masu "

Immediately after the law was introduced, one of the democratic activists interviewed complained:

"Hong Kong has been driven to the edge of the cliff. You have to keep yelling and be arrested or keep quiet."

After that, democratic activists such as Mr. Agnes Chow, who is also known in Japan, were arrested one after another.

In some cases, they were arrested without a clear reason.

Furthermore, in November 2020, police set up a window to receive reports from citizens about anti-government movements.

There are concerns that it may lead to notifications between citizens.

Looking at the value of democracy and becoming more interested in politics

We asked Mr. Ako how we Japanese, especially the younger generation, should think about what is happening in Hong Kong.

Mr. Ako:

"Freedom that I took for granted like the air has suddenly changed. Democracy does not come true on its own, but the people living there move it firmly. I think we should recognize it again. Mr. Agnes Chow always told me, "(Japanese people) have such an important right, but why don't you understand the gratitude?" Young people (in Japan) have a low turnout, but in the future, they will create Japan and contribute to the world, so I would like them to be more interested in politics. "

In "Migake, Curiosity!" Of "Weekly Maru-Knowledge News" (broadcast at 9:00 am on Saturday), we will delve into the news every week on the subject of current affairs presented in the entrance examination.

Let's think of "why?" And "in the first place" that you really want to know as a Kamakura caster!

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You can also review the past on the homepage of the corner.

Please take a look from the link below!

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https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/maruwaka-migake/