What's pushing China from hiding their capacities and biding their time? Why push the world on this now than wait until 2047? Awfully, it looks like Xi thinks China's time has come.
Unlike Hong Kong, Taiwan has (thinly veiled) US military Support [1] that would put China in defacto WWIII territory should an attack occur--after this COVID coverup, the CCP and Xi are persona non grata on the international stage. If anything I hope the people of the Mainland realize the dystopia they have created (some do, most are too conditioned) and revolt before that happens as the CCP seems amendment for a suicidal act if they continue with such brazen violence in the area.
They've already pissed off every neighbor in the South China Sea which is essentially opening the doors for more US military bases and interventionism--which I abhor, but recognize as a reality.
1: https://www.cfr.org/in-brief/us-military-support-taiwan-what...
The justification is HK has been dragging their feet on implementing required National Security legislation. There was no set deadline, I think it was left open ended to easy transition. But it's been 23 years. Despite efforts ongoing for the past 10, now the sentiment at the top is they focused too long on 2 systems instead of 1 country. For the CCP, it's ridiculous they have no extradition process with a region under it's control, especially for recent "anti-state" actions. This was recognized a long time ago, hence the efforts at patriotic education and national security law ~10 years ago because the idea of identity and cultural divergence was a risk to longterm integration. Same with Uyghurs and Tibetans. Best to crush the lost generation now and start again.
As opposed to mainland efforts, which include a masse invasion of mainlanders into Hong Kong despite local opposition and continued warnings by Health Professionals?
China was the WORST of all for letting this spread in the first place rather then letting it remain localized in Wuhan when they knew of its outbreaks. Arresting and disappearing physicians and journalists who tried to warn the World in the process, and lying via the WHO and continuing to lie about the severity of COVID, as seen with the most recent outbreak of infections [1].
I grant you most Western nations policies were too little, too late by January 2020 as vectors from Wuhan had flown all over the World, but this is a pandemic caused directly by CCP policy to lie and manipulate and outright hijack the narrative of its cause and origin, which lies solely with China. And the blame lies solely on them for this occurring, which in my view having followed the Hong Kong protests since 2014 is analogous to Biological Warfare and they should be tried for Crimes Against Humanity.
> For the CCP, it's ridiculous they have no extradition process with a region under it's control, especially for recent "anti-state" actions. This was recognized a long time ago, hence the efforts at patriotic education and national security law ~10 years ago because the idea of identity and cultural divergence was a risk to longterm integration. Same with Uyghurs and Tibetans.
How is a supposed autonomous region supposed to conduct itself when its citizens can be detained for the same absurd violations that occur on the mainland? Which include disrespecting Xi on the internet? Especially for a region with Western Values and customs pertaining to Free Speech?
> Best to crush the lost generation now and start again.
What you call 'patriotic education' is Soviet Union style brainwashing and conditioning for State worship. Are you seriously advocating for masse genocide and internment prisons to usher in this supposed Glory age for the CCP? I'd call you a Wumao but you are straight up a CCP indoctrinated fool if you are saying what I think you are.
I'd try to rebuttal, but it seems entirely worthless to do so. But your response to Sesame Credit highlights why this needs to be stopped. And the Truth is the same model is being rolled out in Africa as well as the regions of 'Greater China.'
> Basically what Social Credit was designed to do: expel non-productive people or those that burden Chinese development [CCP Agenda] out of privileged areas and visibility. Indoctrinate new generation to comport to CCP values, replaced displaced dissenters with mainlanders [Colonialism].
I think it was local overzealous party apparatchiks that escalated the issue. But once escalated China will not back down as it would make them appear 'weak' so they have no choice but to push harder further escalating violence (although it appears that only pro-china side is using violence).
This whole thing could be spun by china as "those poor HK'er taited by capitalism need some time to adjust and see why 'communism' is better way forward.
Instead we have a serious violence brewing, and if Tienanmen was possible then anything is on the table.
Other theory is that China is trying something akin to mega city in that area thats why they need total control and now.
Queue Trump + Bannon + bolton + Pompeo (all Chinahawks): tradewar -> huawei -> hk -> xinjiang -> covid -> tawian -> tech coldwar.
Reality is, US has been trying to contain China for over a decade now, it's merely very public and acrimonious under Trump admin because that's his style.
I don't know if politburo thinks China's time has come, but never waste a good crisis. And it seems like US is committed to full blown containment, and the cost benefit analysis now of HK as financial instrument is superseded by HK being exploited to undermine the Chinese state. There's realist reasons to act sooner than later, HK protests have killed 1C2S and peaceful reunion with Taiwan already, at least for current generation. But reunion deadline is still 29 years away. A lot can happen during that time.
Reality is, US has worked with the UK to contain China for almost 2 centuries. Much of the development and excess wealth in both countries is due to these actions.