Background:
Hawkers have been a local culture existing in Hong Kong for many decades. However, the balance between their survival and the management of licensing, safety and hygiene issues, is a great challenge to the society. In the past, the authorities often turn a blind eye to illegal food hawkers in local districts, especially during the Lunar New Year. It has begun to switch to a more hard-lined approach in recent years. However, the action was criticized for neglecting the needs of the poor and the working class. In response, civil society organizations began to advocate for hawkers’ rights in the name of protecting Hong Kong’s local culture. Some of them are localists advocating for greater autonomy or even independence of Hong Kong from Mainland China, including the use of violence if necessary. The activists claimed that the leadership of the Chief Executive CY Leung was one of the causes behind the development of radicalism.
Details:
The New Territories East by-election (held in February 2016) candidate Edward Leung Tin-kei, together with his members from a localist group Hong Kong Indigenous, went to Mongkok to defend the rights of the food hawkers. Taking advantage of his candidacy, Leung linked the protest to his campaign, which was governed by less stringent requirements. The protest turned into an intense conflict between the activists and the police. Self-made weapons such as bricks and glass bottles were used. The police fired two gun-shots as a warning. Journalists were also attacked by both the police and the protesters.More than 120 people were injured and most of them are police officers. 61 protesters were arrested.
Consequences:
Hong Kong’s self-determination to independence became a huge debate. Edward Leung lost in the by-election but his performance greatly exceeded expectations (gaining 15% of total votes, as the third highest candidate). Though still a minority, it can be seen that localist groups and political parties have been greatly strengthened. To prevent the spread of the idea of independence, in the 2016 LegCo election, the government required all candidates to sign a confirmation form to support of the Basic Law, which includes a declaration that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. Edward Leung complied with the requirements and signed the declaration form, but the nomination was still invalidated as the returning officer believed that he has not “genuinely changed his previous stance for independence”. Leung finally lent his support to several like-minded candidates, two of whom successfully got elected.
News Report from Time, 08 February 2016
News Report from South China Morning Post, 09 February 2016
News Report from South China Morning Post, 10 February 2016
Pro-Beijing commentary, Wen Wei Po, 11 February 2016 (Chinese) (English-translated)
Pro-Democracy commentary, Apple Daily, 10 February 2016 (Chinese) (English-translated)