With reference to German history, Hong Kong activists hope for support from Berlin. "Chancellor Merkel, you grew up in the GDR and you have first-hand experience of the horrors of a dictatorial government," says an open letter to Angela Merkel, written by Joshua Wong, among others. The "Bild" newspaper quoted from it. Merkel is expected on Thursday for her twelfth visit to the People's Republic of China.
"The Germans bravely stood in the front line in the fight against authoritarianism during the 1980s, and like the non-violent demonstrators of the Monday demos, we bring our concerns to the general public and plead for democratic principles," the letter said. "We hope that you show the courage and determination against authoritarian injustice regimes that inspired Germany and Europe before the end of the Cold War and show Europe today."
Hundreds of thousands of people have been taking to the streets in Hong Kong since mid-June to protest against the local government and China's growing influence on the former British Crown Colony. Last weekend, the protests escalated again, causing clashes between demonstrators and police officers. The security forces of the Special Administrative Region are accused of excessive use of force.
How close is Prime Minister Lam to Beijing?
The activists also warn Merkel in her letter before the leadership in Beijing: "Germany should also be on guard to do business with China, because China does not respect international law and has repeatedly broken its promises." Besides Joshua Wong, the signers are Joephy Wong and Alice Yu, Hong Kong-based artists and activists living in Germany.
Shortly before, a tape recording had once again raised questions about the independence of the Hong Kong government. Prime Minister Carrie Lam said she would resign if she could. Moreover, at a certain point, their options for a political solution to the conflict were "very, very, very limited". On Tuesday she distanced herself and affirmed to want to remain in office.
In the video: Carrie Lam denies withdrawal request
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The protest movement fears an increasing influence of the Chinese government on Hong Kong and a curtailment of its freedoms. The former British Crown Colony has been autonomously governed since its return to China in 1997 on the principle of "one country, two systems". The seven million inhabitants are under China's sovereignty, but - unlike the people of the Communist People's Republic - enjoy more rights such as freedom of expression and assembly.
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