Hong Kong grapples with keeping its colonial pastーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Hong Kong’s Shifting Identity: Preserving Colonial History Amidst Growing Chinese Influence

Key Concepts:

• One Country, Two Systems: The principle under which Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997, granting it a degree of autonomy.
• National Security (China): China’s prioritization of stability and suppression of perceived threats to its authority, including freedoms of speech and assembly.
• Historical Revisionism: The altering or reinterpretation of historical narratives, particularly evident in museum displays and potential renaming of landmarks.
• Hong Kong Identity: A distinct sense of belonging and cultural identity developed by residents, differing from mainland China.
• Tiananmen Square Crackdown (June 4th): The 1989 suppression of pro-democracy protests in Beijing, commemorated annually in Hong Kong as a symbol of freedom.

I. Historical Context & British Legacy

Hong Kong’s relationship with Britain spans 150 years, beginning with the First Opium War in the 19th century. During this period, Britain significantly developed Hong Kong’s infrastructure, constructing roads and railways, and crucially, establishing a system based on freedom and the rule of law. This foundation facilitated Hong Kong’s growth into a prominent international city. Key symbols of this era remain visible today, including Victoria Park – named after Queen Victoria, who was monarch when Hong Kong was transferred to Britain – and the bronze statue of Queen Victoria at the park’s entrance. Other remnants include double-decker trams, stone architecture, and historical artifacts like an 80-year-old Union Jack and a commemorative plaque marking Queen Elizabeth’s visit. A lion wearing a crown and holding a pearl, formerly a government crest, further exemplifies British influence.

II. The Rise of Historical Revisionism & Chinese Patriotism

Following the 1997 handover under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, Hong Kong initially maintained a degree of autonomy, allowing capitalism and freedom of speech to flourish. However, over the past 30 years, and increasingly in the last six, Beijing has tightened its control, leading to a shift in the city’s historical narrative. This is most apparent in government-run museums, where portraits of former British governors have been removed and replaced with exhibits promoting Chinese patriotism. A growing sentiment exists advocating for renaming British-era landmarks with Chinese names, reflecting a desire to prioritize the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” As stated by a Hong Kong resident interviewed, “We shouldn't just praise things done in the past, but the new things being done today.”

III. Preservation Efforts & Citizen Resistance

Amidst this shift, individuals like Brian, a lifelong Hong Kong resident, are actively working to preserve the city’s colonial history. He has amassed a collection of approximately 30,000 items related to British rule, including ceremonial military uniforms, and now offers tours to educate people about Hong Kong’s past. These tours are gaining popularity, with citizens expressing a desire to reconnect with their heritage and understand the history of the places they grew up in. One participant noted, “I feel that many of these old things are disappearing in modern times. That's why I want to learn about the place where I was born and raised.” Another emphasized the importance of factual historical discussion, stating, “Every place has a history and it should be discussed based on facts.”

IV. The Erosion of Freedoms & the Significance of Victoria Park

The changing historical narrative is inextricably linked to the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong. Victoria Park, historically a site for commemorating the Tiananmen Square crackdown on June 4th – with gatherings sometimes attracting nearly 200,000 participants – has become a focal point. These annual vigils symbolized Hong Kong’s freedom of speech and assembly, even after the handover. However, the last assembly took place in 2019, and the suppression of this event is seen by many as a direct consequence of Beijing’s tightening grip. As the reporter, Oda Makoto, explains, China views values like freedom and democracy as threats to its stability and is actively working to “stamp those out.”

V. Hong Kong Identity & Future Outlook

The reporter highlights the distinct identity of Hong Kong residents, who have grown up in a different political, economic, and social reality than those in mainland China. This strong sense of Hong Kong identity, coupled with the perceived loss of freedoms, fuels resistance to the changing landscape. Makoto observes that despite the increasing pressure, “I’m sure that people here won’t give in so easily.” The preservation of colonial history is therefore not merely about nostalgia, but about safeguarding a way of life and a set of values that many Hong Kongers hold dear.

Conclusion:

The situation in Hong Kong represents a complex interplay between historical preservation, political control, and the assertion of cultural identity. Beijing’s efforts to reshape the historical narrative and tighten its grip on the city are met with resistance from citizens determined to remember and understand their past. The future of Hong Kong hinges on the balance between China’s national security concerns and the preservation of the freedoms and unique identity that have defined the city for over a century. The case of Hong Kong serves as a potent example of how history can become a battleground in the struggle for political and cultural dominance.