Background:
The high speed railway is one of the ten major infrastructure projects proposed by the government. There were a lot of controversies surrounding the project, including over-expenditure, lack of consultation, noise pollution, customs and border control (co-location) arrangements. Protesters criticized the project as unfeasible and a waste of public expenditure.
Details:
Petitions, marches, hunger-strikes, and even ascetic practices were organized to oppose the passage of the proposed budget. Unlike in the past, protesters were mainly organized through social networks such as Facebook. Clashes between protesters and the police occurred outside the LegCo building.
Consequences:
The pro-democracy camp attempted to delay the passing of the bill but to no avail as the proposed budget was eventually passed. However, the issues of over-expenditure and border control arrangements remained unresolved, leading to more controversies. For example, the concern on the co-location arrangement was accused of undermining the “One country two systems”, allowing the mainland officials the right to exercise jurisdiction within Hong Kong borders.
Most of the protesters were young people, commonly labelled as the "post-80s" (born after 1980). This event marked the start of an influx of young people to participate in politics.
News Report from the Financial Times, 15 January 2010
News Report from the New York Times, 27 January 2010
Pro-Beijing commentary, Wen Wei Po, 18 January 2010 (Chinese) (English-translated)
Pro-Democracy commentary, Apple Daily, 18 January 2010 (Chinese) (English-translated)