Inside Story

Can democracy survive in Hong Kong?

Pro-democracy legislators resign en masse after colleagues were dismissed.

A mass walkout is raising new concerns about democracy in Hong Kong.

Fifteen opposition politicians stepped down after the dismissal of four colleagues considered a threat to China’s national security.

Beijing says the resignation is a direct challenge to its authority over the former British colony.

The United Kingdom is accusing China of breaking its promise to preserve Hong Kong’s autonomy.

With the legislature effectively left with no political opposition, can democracy survive in the semiautonomous territory?

Presenter: Mohammed Jamjoom

Guests:

Emily Lau – former chairwoman, Democratic Party of Hong Kong

Gordon Chang – author and conservative columnist

Stephen Vines – journalist and author of books on the relationship between Hong Kong and China