Hong Kong election highlights rising anti-China mood
Source: AP
HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kongers voted Sunday in the specially administered Chinese city's most crucial election since the handover from Britain in 1997, the outcome of which could pave the way for a fresh round of political confrontations over Beijing's control of the city.
The vote for Legislative Council lawmakers is set to test the unity of Hong Kong's pro-democracy camp as a new generation of radical activists, who emerged in the wake of 2014 pro-democracy street protests, joined the race.
They're hoping to ride a rising tide of anti-China sentiment as they challenge formidably resourced pro-Beijing rivals for seats. Many of the newcomers back the previously unthinkable idea of independence for Hong Kong, which has added to divisions with the broader pro-democracy movement and overshadowed the election. Last month, officials disqualified six pro-independence candidates in an attempt to tamp down the debate, though other candidates with similar views made the cut.
Hong Kongers feel they have few other negotiating tactics left in their battle for genuine democracy as Beijing takes an increasingly hard-line stance. "It's bleak, but I think if China doesn't leave us to do what we want, I think the only way is to fight for independence," said Aron Yuen, a 34-year-old college lecturer, as he stood in line of about 100 other people to cast their ballots.
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