Letters to the Editor

'Perception is reality'

Sunday's editorial "Democracy in Hong Kong" hits a raw nerve that not many people want to face. While we are right to celebrate the district council elections in Hong Kong, which handed the pro-Beijing parties a defeat, the editorial concludes that "it is wise to remember that the regime has not hesitated to send tanks to quell democratic demonstrations in Beijing or troops to crush secessionists in Tibet."

Perception is reality. Once Beijing considers Hong Kong a threat to its control and power, it will crack down. Remember Tiananmen Square 14 years ago? Deng Xiaoping started a massacre despite being watched and warned by the outside world.

You're correct to say, "The people of Hong Kong want freedom." The massive protest July 1 and the district council elections have clearly demonstrated that. Hong Kong will either march toward democracy or it will not. A showdown with Beijing will happen sooner or later.

This is a battle the Hong Kong people have to fight. However, the United States can lend us a helping hand by telling Beijing to follow strictly the "one country, two systems" formula and keep its hands off Hong Kong. If Beijing still will listen to anyone, I'm afraid it has to be Washington.

Congress and news outlets such as The Washington Times have spoken out strongly for Hong Kong. Perhaps President Bush and Secretary of State Colin L. Powell can also say to their "friends" in Beijing the same thing in no-less-clear terms.

KIN-MING LIU

Hong Kong

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