After the high-profile all-Ukrainian premiere of the documentary Matthew Thorne“Lessons of Dissent” public organization”LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE OF UKRAINEcontinued to build bridges between new generations of Ukrainians and Hong Kong residents.
Predicting the success of the Localists (organizations and parties promoting the idea of establishing partial and full Hong Kong Independence) in the Legislative Council elections held on September 4, 2016, we Nazar Gulchak and Arthur Kharitonov — got in touch with the party.”Youngspiration“.
“Youngspiration” — a party founded after the Umbrella Revolution by a younger generation of Hong Kong democrats who, along with other similar foundations (”Hong Kong Indigenous“,”Demosistoetc.) advocate radical positions on the establishment of the sovereignty of the people of Hong Kong, with the complete elimination of mainland Chinese power in the city-state territory. Considering the similarity of views”Youngspiration” and”LDLU” on socialism, corruption and other factors destructive to society, we were not surprised by the rapid establishment of contacts with the secretariat of this party: not a day passed, as the leader of the organization personally answered us — Baggio Leung(30 years old), with whom I, in fact, had the honor of conversing.
AH: Good afternoon, Mr. Baggio! I look forward to hearing under what conditions the organization was created.”Youngspiration“? How does it function?
CA: Greetings, Arthur! In fact, the organization.”Youngspiration” was founded in 2015 after the failure of the Umbrella Revolution. At the end of 2014, everyone who participated in the protests had an alarming feeling that the occupation zones would soon be cleared by the police. This awareness led the activists to come together to consider the next steps in the further struggle. At first we attracted friends to our organization, later friends of these friends joined, and after a while, thanks to a wide range of acquaintances, our organization began to have more than 100 like-minded people... You know, before the foundation”Youngspiration“I was the most ordinary young marketer who wanted to see Hong Kong free and democratic. That is why I, like most young Hong Kong citizens, took an active part in the Revolution. But it so happened that after its completion I was honored to lead.”Youngspiration“.
AH: Baggio, but what do you think caused the 2014 Revolution?
CA: Certainly, none other than the Standing Committee of the All-China People's Assembly, which the day before passed an outrageous, anti-democratic decision that involved holding the election of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong (in 2017) through the Appointments Committee, controlled by to the Beijing regime. This electoral method effectively guaranteed the passage of only those candidates who would be recognized by the Chinese Government. The escalating situation marked a giant step backwards in Hong Kong's constitutional reform. As the promise to protect democracy was completely destroyed by the false communists, angry students and citizens revolted - this was the reason for the start of the Revolution
AH: It's sad to realize that. However, Baggio, tell me what you think about Hong Kong gaining independence?
CA:”Youngspiration“Convinced that it is impossible for our citizens to be deprived of the right to their own future. It is not so important whether Hong Kong gains independence or maintains the “one country, two systems” policy. The important thing is that it will be our own choice. That is why the Beijing regime should refrain from interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs. We believe in a better future for our country — it will surely come, thanks to the wisdom, determination, patience and self-sacrifice of Hong Kong's youth. I know that our victory is very close!
AH: And how do you propose to fight the Chinese regime?
CA: Well... There are different ways. Some organizations, such as ours, participate in elections (elections to district councils and elections to the Legislative Council). Other organizations carry out active activities, in particular at street protests, rallies, demonstrations. Of course, it was not possible to do without the use of heroic and somewhat confrontational tactics...
AH: Can you tell us more about district council elections? For me as a Kiev resident, this is an urgent topic!
CA: Of course, I understand. Last year, our party ran in elections to one of the district councils. One of our members, Dr. Po Yin Kwong, an emergency physician, was elected as a deputy to the Kowloon District Council. The other eight candidates (including myself) were defeated. However, the record turnout in many of the districts in which we were represented indicates that a large number of young people are committed to defending democracy. They are ready for change.
AH: Do you want to say that young people have achieved their job after the end of the Umbrella Revolution?
CA: No. We do not believe that the youth of Hong Kong have won: the unsuccessful elections to the district councils are proof of this. However, the failure of the Umbrella Revolution caused a surge in the popularity of the ideology of localism: this was facilitated by the deplorable tactics of traditional “pro-democratic” parties. The old politicians frustrated Hong Kong's younger generation, forcing the new generation to join forces to form political groups—such as ours.
AH: It's interesting to hear. Baggio, what are your predictions for the elections to the Legislative Council this fall?
CA: I know one thing: the upcoming September elections are expected to be tough competition between locals and old Democrats. I am sure that the majority of votes will be cast for Hong Kong's independence. And we will move further on the path to achieving our cherished dream — the ultimate self-determination of Hong Kong.
AH: Good. Tell me, how do you feel about China?
CA: Arthur, China is dominated by an authoritarian regime of evil controlled by the distorted Chinese Communist Party. We strongly condemn the widespread violation of fundamental human and citizen rights and freedoms in China. Terrible, but these terrible traditions are global.
AH: What about the Republic of China (Republic of Taiwan)? Tibet?
CATaiwan is a great country with a freedom-loving people. We respect the right to self-determination of Taiwanese and support them in everything!.. As for Tibet,”Youngspiration” is very sympathetic to the disturbing situation in the region: the oppression of Tibetans by the Beijing government is quite obvious. We firmly believe that China must respect the rights of the Tibetan people. The oppression and exploitation of the people of Tibet must be stopped immediately!
AH: Do you count on the support of other democratic countries in East Asia? South Korea and Japan?
CA: It is no secret that Hong Kong is in close trade relations with both Japan and South Korea. A large part of Hong Kong's youth is fascinated by the culture of these countries. Equally important are intergovernmental initiatives and cooperation between NGOs in Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea. Therefore, of course, we count.
AH: Understandably. A few more questions about world politics: what is your attitude towards the European Union? How do you assess the migration crisis of 2015-2016?
CA: The EU is a huge creation designed to promote interaction between European states: in terms of the movement of people and goods. In our view, European countries need to strike a balance between accepting refugees on a humanitarian basis and protecting their own citizens.
AH: And what do you think about the Ukrainian revolution of 2013-2014 (Revolution of Dignity)?
CA: What to say: the Ukrainian people fought courageously during the Revolution. The determination and solidarity of your people arouse my immense admiration.
AH: Baggio, how do you feel about the Russian Federation and its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula?
CA: We believe that this is a serious violation of international law. Russia must immediately end the illegal occupation and respect the sovereignty of the Ukrainian people.
AH: That is, do you agree with the thesis that the events in the East of Ukraine are nothing more than a war with the Russian Federation?
CA: Yes, of course. Why not? This is a defensive war against the Russian aggressor.
AH: Thanks for the objective assessment! Baggio, I really want to hear: what do you think about the future of Ukraine? What would you advise young Ukrainians who are fighting for a democratic society?
CA: We very much hope that Ukraine has a bright future, and we sincerely believe that a country with such wonderful people who are ready to sacrifice everything for freedom and democracy is simply doomed to prosperity and success.
AH: Wonderful! Are you planning to visit Ukraine one day?
CA: Oh, I would love to. Ukraine is such a beautiful country! I would gladly take it away with my friends!
AH: Baggio, thank you very much for the conversation!
CA: Thank you for your support and interview!
POSTFACTUM
A few months after our conversation, two activists from the electoral bloc”AllinHK“, among which was a representative of the party”Youngspiration“— Yau Wai Ching, won seats in the Legislative Council at the 4 September 2016 race.
Himself Baggio Leungcould not win enough votes to defeat the old pro-democratic camp and pro-Beijing puppets.
Public organization”LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC LEAGUE OF UKRAINE” continues to follow the development of events.
