WATCH: Anti-Communism Protesters In Hong Kong Sing U.S. National Anthem
Anti-communism protesters in Hong Kong are singing the U.S. National Anthem.
In Hong Kong, a noticeable amount of anti-communism protesters have been seen raising the American flag while marching through the streets. According to a few of the flag carriers, protesters are flying the American flag as a way to appeal to the United States government to take action in support of the protesters.
Protesters have also flown different flags associated with Britain, such as the Union Jack and the flag of the former British colonial government in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong was a British colony for over 150 years until it was handed over to China in 1997. As part of the agreed-upon terms of the handover between Britain and China, the communist Chinese government is required to allow Hong Kong to maintain the capitalist system and relative freedoms practiced during British rule.
Under the current Hong Kong system, the residents of Hong Kong are guaranteed common law, private property rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. None of these freedoms are guaranteed in communist mainland China.
Anti-communism protests in Hong Kong began in March of this year over a proposed bill that would allow the government of Hong Kong to detain and extradite people who are wanted for crimes in communist mainland China.
Although the Hong Kong legislative council scrapped the bill in June, violent protests have continued as many Hong Kongers are worried that communist party officials in Beijing plan to implement communism in Hong Kong.
Communist Party officials in China have accused the U.S. government of having a significant role in facilitating the anti-communist protests. However, the protesters deny that the United States government has any involvement.
As of now, the protesters’ goal of influencing the U.S. to intervene has failed. Earlier this month, President Trump was asked if he supports the anti-communism protesters. President Trump declined to take a stance, instead saying, “that’s between Hong Kong and China.”