Hong Kong, a region that has maintained one of the most resilient economies in the world, is now an empty shell of its former self.
It all started as a response to the proposed extradition bill that would have allowed for those wanted by Chinese officials to be deported from Hong Kong—a brainchild of Hong Kong’s chief executive Carrie Lam.
With the ongoing clashes between the police and civilians, the sharp decline in general prosperity, and the never-ending tensions on the streets, protesters profoundly detested the bill until it was finally withdrawn in September 2019.
But, the upheavals are no longer just about discrediting the suggested law.
What was provoked by this proposed extradition bill became a massive fight for a government that is democratic and independent from the Chinese influence—not just in Hong Kong, but in the United States as well.
Knowing that the United States holds the power to implement sanctions, a group of pro-democracy protesters protested outside the U.S consulate and asked them to liberate Hong Kong.
Tens of thousands of the rally participants called on President Trump to pass a Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act; a U.S. federal law that would impose sanctions on those responsible for violating the human rights of Hong Kong civilians.
Not only did most Americans believe the act would be counterproductive, since the region would be stripped of its special trade status, making them more dependent on Beijing, but China also promised retribution if the U.S. intervened.
On November 28 of last year, President Trump then went above and beyond by signing two acts: the Human Rights and Democracy Act along with the Protect Hong Kong Act, which passed Congress with bipartisan support.
A day after the Democracy Act was signed into action by President Trump, hundreds of pro-democracy activists turned to seek assistance from Britain as well, hoping to solidify the support for their cause.
As of now, the efforts of the Hong Kong demonstrators have been successful—and they even achieved a prime foundation for their rights and security in Hong Kong, coming from the two acts signed by President Trump.
With the recent success, a vast majority of the protesters are confident that they will finally obtain a long-desired representative government.
