The ongoing protests in Hong Kong are not only a fight of David against Goliath. First and foremost, the rallies are a struggle for political freedom. But why do Hong Kong citizens continue to fight the regime despite their quite unexpected victory, the withdrawal of the extradition bill? Why do well-to-do bankers, lawyers and office clerks support a movement that is increasingly using violence to support their demands? In his article published by German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Heribert Dieter, Director of Policy Research of Asia Global Institute argues that the full understanding of the situation in Hong Kong requires viewing the fight for political freedom in relation to other deeper socio-economic factors.
This article first appeared in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on October 7, 2019. The views expressed in the reports featured are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Asia Global Institute’s editorial policy.
Former Director of Policy Research, Asia Global Institute
Room 326-348, Main Building
The University of Hong Kong
Pokfulam, Hong Kong