Hong Kong Christian Institute's Response to

Vice-Premier Qian Qichen's Message to Hong Kong

Since the handover, we have been worried by the blind loyalty exhibited by the Hong Kong government toward the Chinese authorities in Beijing that makes the principle of “one country, two systems” an illusion. These anxieties were further aggravated by the comments of Vice Premier Qian Qichen's in the SCMP of June 26, for it is evident that the future development of democracy and human rights in Hong Kong during Tung Chee-hwa's second term will be greatly retarded by the will of Beijing's leaders.

First of all, Qian stated that Beijing is happy for Hong Kong to continue using its existing electoral model with functional constituency seats in Legco. Based on Qian's comments, Beijing would rather see the present electoral system remain intact instead of permitting Hong Kong to move towards a directly elected legislature and chief executive after 2007. If the Basic Law provisions state that there will be an open consultation with the people of the community about future elections beyond 2007, then why did Qian deliberately express his views rather than allow Hong Kong's people to decide what we want? Does Beijing mean that freedom of choice can only be defined within the confines of the framework permitted by China's leaders?

Secondly, Qian also mentioned that Falun Gong should be outlawed in Hong Kong if it maintains ties with foreign groups after the enactment of an anti-subversion law. We, as a Christian group, feel that this interpretation threatens not only Falun Gong but also religious freedom in Hong Kong for all religious bodies, for most Christian groups in Hong Kong, for example, directly or indirectly have ties with overseas churches and mission boards. This case indicates that the degree and implementation of religious freedom in Hong Kong and China are based on two different standards. Adopting the practices of China to Hong Kong not only violates the “one country, two systems” principle, but it also damages Hong Kong as an international city that upholds international standards and norms, such as those that respect human rights and religious freedom.

Therefore, we want to put all of these questions to Mr. Tung and his newly appointed and accountable ministers. Will you uphold the principle of Hong Kong's self-autonomy and freedom of religion, or is your final objective to seek Beijing's approval and blessing? Will you stand up for Hong Kong when Beijing signals the direction in which Hong Kong is to move, especially regarding its democratic development and respect for human rights? In short, whose interests do you really represent?