Hong Kong “In the News”

Chief Executive Donald Tsang

The election of Hong Kong’s new chief executive set to take place on March 25 appears to be a resounding reminder of the island’s stagnant democratic progress. Though a democratic-reform coalition has been established with Alan Leong as head candidate, Donald Tsang, chosen incumbent of the Beijing government, seems to be undefeatable. China’s mainland influence on Hong Kong has not lost much clout since the island’s handover by the British in 1997. Though Alan Leong pushes an appealing platform addressing such issues as pollution, electoral reform, and the implementation of minimum wage, Donald Tsang’s empty rhetoric holds the backing of the Chinese government. According to The Economist, “commentators worry that a legitimate battle over this election could anger Beijing and so decrease the chances of further democratic reform.” The irony of this situation points only to the current illusory nature of Hong Kong’s capacity for democratic change.

While political reform is still beyond the horizon, Hong Kong, in comparison to the mainland, has earned plaudits for its enforcement of intellectual property rights. Despite such advancement, Hong Kong may see a dangerous precendent set for internet uploaders. This month, the Court of Final Appeal is to hear the world's first conviction for copyright infringement using BitTorrent file-sharing technology. “Big Crook” Chan Nai-ming was charged with a three-month sentence in October 2005 for attempting to distribute three Hollywood film seeds using BitTorrent. His lawyers are appealing based on the argument that the sections of the Copyright Ordinance used to convict Chan do not apply to cyberspace activity. The pass of this appeal is a doubtless hurdle for Hong Kong property right enforcement. Keep your eyes pealed.

BY: Lisa Li