Following on from the
completely reasonable delay of the elections for a year,
that LegCo's term might be extended for a year, but that it was up to Beijing. Well I think we know what Beijing will say, Lam doesn't do anything these days without instructions from Big Papa Bear.
I'm sure that this period will absolutely not be used to bring in legislation to foster pro-CCP propaganda in Hong Kong, further restrict the activities of the media, give time to prosecute Opposition politicians under the national security legislation for being a thorn in the CCP's side, or otherwise ban politicial parties/politicians for daring to become popular and challenge the pro-CCP establishment in HK.
Great times ahead!
Unironically, I think you'll find people here agreeing -- "yes".
In politics and geopolitics no one wants conflict, everyone wants peace, they just want peace
on their terms.
For Hong Kong, if the creation of the new political norm is that the populace and politicians will gradually come to understand and respect the Chinese government's red lines and recognize that loyalty to the central government and respect of its political and geopolitical concerns are a prerequisite for a political career, then I think that is something many here would welcome.
After all, that way it would achieve the goal that Hong Kong is not allowed to achieve more political autonomy than what the central government is willing to bestow, while simultaneously meaning Hong Kong will not become an enclave of foreign supported political activity that can challenge the central government.
The goal is to achieve a Hong Kong which is peaceful, with greater economic integration with the mainland to achieve a better economic for the entire region as well as Hong Kong, and also to achieve a Hong Kong that is underpinned by genuine recognition and loyalty to the PRC and the central government as well by virtue of their own choice.
Those are the terms of peace that the Chinese government and dare I say the Chinese people seek for Hong Kong.
If the ability to oppose or to undermine the authority of the central government, and to work with foreign government figures is a key plank and desire for the opposition, that is fine, but their words and actions will be scrutinized in the context of the above and going forwards treason will be called treason, and collusion will be called collusion.