Commentary
On June 28, 2021, I found myself in a state of overwhelming uncertainty and anxiety. Just two days prior, the English executive editor of Apple Daily had been arrested at the Hong Kong International Airport. The chilling reality of the situation couldn’t be ignored. Having written for the same paper, I knew the potential consequences for myself. It felt like the walls were closing in, and boarding that Air Canada flight wasn’t just a trip—it was an escape that could have been a one-way ticket.
As the plane ascended, I looked out the window, trying to capture every last glimpse of the city that had shaped me. It felt surreal. Was this goodbye for good? The city I had fought for, the freedoms we had cherished, and the life I had known all seemed to slip away beneath the clouds. The future was uncertain, and the only certainty was that staying had become too dangerous.
Three years have passed, and Hong Kong has been transformed by the National Security Law imposed by China. The conviction of pro-democracy politicians in May 2021 for simply organizing unofficial primaries to advocate for universal suffrage was a stark reminder of the changing landscape. The authorities’ manipulation of constitutional rights as criminal acts was deeply unjust but sadly expected.
The erosion of Hong Kong’s legal system under China’s influence has been ongoing for years. The once vibrant media outlets and campaign groups have been silenced, and the political and civil society landscape has been decimated.
Since the implementation of the National Security Law in June 2020, Hong Kong has been in decline. The defenders of core values have been imprisoned or forced into exile, like myself. Beijing’s tightening grip has suffocated everything we once knew.
For me, Hong Kong was more than a financial hub; it was a place of possibilities and success. However, Beijing’s control has stripped the city of its essence, leaving behind fear and uncertainty. Many are choosing to leave rather than live under constant threat.
Even among the pro-establishment community, concerns are growing as freedoms erode. The distinctions between Hong Kong and mainland China are fading, and the exodus of capital and people continues.
The political divide is narrowing, with survival becoming the primary concern. The uncertainty and fear of the future loom large, even among those who once stood with the authorities.
Everyone is beginning to realize the dangerous path that Hong Kong is on, regardless of their previous allegiances.
Hongkongers are now caught in the middle of a larger conflict between communist China and the West. Our voices have been drowned out in this war of ideologies, leaving us as collateral damage in a fight we never chose. The days ahead will be challenging, and more turmoil is likely. However, even in these dark times, it is essential to continue defending the spirit of Hong Kong, no matter where we are in the world. Despite its bruised legacy, Hong Kong’s fight for freedom will endure.
When I departed on June 28, 2021, it felt like I was leaving behind not just a city, but an entire life. The familiar faces, vibrant streets, and spirited discussions that once filled Hong Kong were already fading, replaced by an atmosphere of fear and repression.
Many Hongkongers are uncertain if they will ever return. However, Hong Kong lives on within me. Its spirit of defiance, creativity, and determination cannot be extinguished. We must preserve that spirit, even if it has to be outside the city’s borders. By nurturing the Hong Kong spirit overseas, we can ensure its values continue to shine bright, keeping Hong Kong alive in our hearts until the day it can be truly free.
(Note: Views expressed in this article are the author’s opinions and may not reflect those of The Epoch Times.)
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