The Foreign Service Journal, May 2005

Some members of the election committee have suggested expand- ing the membership of the commit- tee by adding a few hundred ran- domly selected members of the pub- lic to cast their votes alongside the appointed members. Such reforms in the selection process should remain within the central govern- ment’s comfort zone, yet could form the foundation from which both sides can proceed toward the ultimate goal of one man, one vote in the territory, as stated in the Basic Law. At the moment, however, it would be unrealistic for Hong Kong to expect full democracy soon and without resistance from Beijing. After all, if China grants full democracy there, it risks similar demands on the main- land. Instability is not something China can afford at a time when it is intent on sustaining its rise as a world power. At the same time, there is no doubt that Hong Kong’s democ- ratic future is deeply intertwined with the mainland’s own political and economic evolution. The more confident China becomes of its eco- nomic and political power, the more it can afford change. In the short term, Beijing is like- ly to use its economic muscle to moderate Hong Kong’s hunger for democracy. Since taking control in 1997, it has already showered the territory with economic concessions — a free-trade agreement, an increased influx of high- spending Chinese tourists and the introduction of Chinese currency bank deposits — all of which appeal to the city’s capitalist instincts. But in the longer term, Hong Kong’s restlessness will only settle down if Beijing empowers its people by moving to allowing them to chart their own future. ■ F O C U S M A Y 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 57 With not much power in their hands, Hong Kong’s political parties want a stake in the chief executive process. Interim Accommodations for Corporate and Government Markets Apartments, Townhouses & Single Family Homes “FOR THE EXECUTIVE ON THE MOVE” ❈ finder5@IX.netcom.com Locations throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. Units fully furnished, equipped and accessorized Many “Walk to Metro” locations Pet Friendly 5105-L Backlick Road, Annandale, Virginia Tel: (703) 354-4070 Fax: (703) 642-3619 Executive Lodging Alternatives