Letters | Celebrate Hong Kong’s colonial past for Chinese people’s vim and ingenuity
- Readers discuss embracing a painful part of the city’s – and the nation’s – history, the G7’s criticism of Chinese curbs on Japanese seafood, and the Hong Kong Consumer Council’s effective handling of a complaint
Hong Kong’s pre-1997 history is a reminder of our nation’s “century of humiliation”. During that period, China suffered internal fragmentation, political turmoil and foreign interference. The UK occupied Hong Kong after defeating the Qing dynasty in the opium war through the unequal Treaty of Nanking.
Colonialism represents exploitation, occupation and racism. Discrimination was rife in colonial Hong Kong. For example, Chinese were not allowed to live on the Peak. The localisation of the Administrative Service was prioritised only after the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984.
But our colonial history isn’t just about the wrongs of the British Empire. It is also about the endurance, work ethic and talent of the Chinese (and other ethnicities) that created Asia’s greatest city. Our past, our heritage, our unique selling points include our markets, our fortune-tellers, our temples, our churches, our forts that held out against the Japanese and much, much more.
The pre-1997 period was vital in Hong Kong’s development but is not purely defined by our colonial overlords. We are proud of our history, achievements and unique identity. However, this pride should not be interpreted as nostalgic sentiment towards colonialism.
On the contrary, Hongkongers have always considered themselves as patriotic Chinese, even when under colonial rule. The foundation of our success is certainly not colonialism but Hongkongers’ hard work, creativity and resilience going back generations.
History is multidimensional. Instead of feeling ashamed and discomforted, we should embrace our past with curiosity, respect and appreciation.
Christopher Ip, North Point
G7’s double standards are galling
The G7 trade ministers “deplore actions to weaponise economic dependencies and commit to build on free, fair and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationships”. They also expressed “concern” over recent control measures on the export of critical minerals.
This is typically a case of “I am doing it but you may not”. The usual double standards are glaring and the G7’s lack of self-reflection is cringeworthy.
The days of developed Western nations calling all the shots are going, if not already gone. The G7 had better accept this new reality, rather than cling to delusions of grandeur.
Francis Lo, North Point
Consumer Council deserves praise for its effectiveness
I write this to highlight the phenomenal performance of the Consumer Council and to express my gratitude to the members of this government-subsidised organisation. They have demonstrated their dedication to guiding and assisting those who approach them with issues that are difficult to resolve.
My partner and I booked a flight from Phuket to Bangalore, with Go First, an Indian carrier, through the AirAsia website. Unfortunately we could not fly and had to cancel. AirAsia denied our request for a refund, even though upon contacting Go First, we were advised that the ticket price had been refunded.
All our efforts from October last year to August this year to secure the refund from AirAsia failed. The credit card company was unable to assist and we approached the Consumer Council.
From first contact, we were overwhelmed by the attention Consumer Council staff gave us. They finally advised us that they would handle the matter directly. Recently we were advised we would receive a full refund.
We are very grateful to the Consumer Council staff who spent time and effort helping us in the midst of all their other commitments. They can hold their heads high, knowing that their proactive, unrelenting efforts to hold companies to account is immensely appreciated.
Menon M.R. Bhaskar, The Peak
