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Hi guys!
Back again for another post tonight…
Sigh, still getting over the news of last week (read here), but hey I’ve said right at the start of this blog that I’ll try and push through the good and the bad.
Life’s not all about sunshine and lollipops y’know.
I think too many of us on the interwebs only portray our best face forward, but life’s a biatch and sometimes we all gotta acknowledge that.
Anyway.
Takes deep breath.
Back to it.
In the last week or so you might have noticed that something is rotten in the state of Hong Kong.
There’s been mass protests GALORE.
What’s all the fuss over?
Basically cos of a proposed change in legislation which would allow people to be extradited to mainland China for trial of crimes committed.
The fear is that any persons who run afoul of China e.g. political dissidents or out-spoken individuals can be whisked away to be tried in a Chinese court.

Locals believe it is the latest political subterfuge from China in trying to encroach their own jurisdiction onto Hong Kong law.
But whoa, whoa, getting ahead of ourselves. First some history shall we?
1984.
Orwellian books aside, this year was also when Britain agreed to return Hong Kong to Chinese rule with the signing of the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984.
The declaration promised to return the territory to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” principle, with Beijing guaranteeing HongKongers a high degree of autonomy and freedoms for a period of 50 years.
The protests arise mainly because this level of autonomy is currently threatened.
What do you think TheFrugalSamurai?
The first thought which popped up for me, is what a difference a few weeks can make.
For MrsFrugalSamurai and I literally walked along the same streets when we were there earlier in the year (read here).
Not to incite civil unrest mind you, but as simple tourists.
The second thought which popped up, is that I hope Mr Wong and his juice stand on Hennessy Road is doing a roaring trade – poor guy really needs a lift. His freshly cut sugar cane juice on ice? Superb. Licks lips.

OK, so touring and juicing aside, I think it’s a fundamental right of an individual to express their opinion, doesn’t matter where they originate from. So damnit if I’m not gonna get a sugar cane hit first thing tomorrow.
But I also think that it is naive to think that China will allow protests of this magnitude to develop in the future.
In fact, I would also expect that it’s the end of Carrie Lam (Hong Kong’s leader) in the political inner circle with this significant loss of “face”.
You wouldn’t imagine that her boss in Beijing aka the Chinese Winnie would take this lightly.
I wouldn’t be surprised if a hard-liner steps into power next. Someone tasked to get things in order in a take-no-prisoners kinda way.
It’s gonna be interesting viewing in the next few years how China assimilates Hong Kong back into the fold.
OK, TheFrugalSamurai… but how does this affect me?
Hmm, so unless you are of Mainland Chinese or Hong Kong Chinese descent, it probably doesn’t affect you too great on an emotional level.
However it may have indirect financial consequences.
How so?
Well because Chinese Winnie and his counter-part The Donald McDonald are going to be involved in a very high-stakes heads-up poker game in the coming few days.
The prize pot is of course the trade war (earlier post here).
The outcome of which has enormous repercussions for global trade and the global economy.
So my bet is that Chinese Winnie is going to be under significant pressure to adopt a harder stance with negotiations to reclaim some of the “face” he has lost.

And it wouldn’t surprise me to see a no-deal result from the end of it, which would further create economic uncertainty.
Which would enable asset prices to crash through the floor.
Which would enable a cashed-up personal finance and development blogger to swoop in.
Which would enable said personal finance and development blogger to FIRE BABY FIRE.
Which would enable our intrepid hero to pursue the next chapter of his life: POLITICS.
Which would enable the citizens of Hong Kong to finally choose someone who shares their ideals, their dreams, their destiny – YES WE CAN.
OK so the example may have been a bit facetious, but frankly that’s where it’s going to hurt us methinks.
Um. Not because I’m going to rule Hong Kong one day (a boy can dream)… but because it’s just increased the odds of further economic unrest.
Everything is inter-related y’see?
I’m gonna bookmark this post to see whether the negotiations pan out as I predicted.
Maybe you should too!
What do you think? Did you enjoy this post? Please help me out if you enjoyed this and put your email in and click on the little “subscribe” button at the top right. This way, you’ll never miss my words of awesomeness! So do the right thing, be a subscriber and get it straight to your inbox fresh out of the oven!
P.S. If you are a Chinese pro-government hacker reading this, please spare this humble blog… just an ordinary guy trying to make sense of this crazy, crazy world.
83 Comments
simplywendi
another great post!
The Frugal Samurai
Haha, thank you!
simplywendi
🙂
Chad
This explain the situation perfectly! I had no idea there is so much history involved in this conflict. Thanks a lot for sharing.
The Frugal Samurai
Yeah there is plenty of history there, funnily enough the most valuable asset has and always will be the dirt beneath their feet – but shhh don’t tell 7 million people that!
Cristina Petrini
I’m following with interest on the news the events that are taking place in Hong Kong admiring and being on the side of the protesters!
The Frugal Samurai
That’s fair enough, seems like most outsiders are siding with the HK people! Thanks for reading.
Ewuzie Kingsley
Wow having to know about this now hoping the gets resolved soonest peacefully.
The Frugal Samurai
Yes same here!
thecoffeemom0617
I was watching about ht protests recently, and while I may not be anywhere near China it still is quite a thing to see. So many people, fighting for what they believe to be right! Standing up against the government is always something that should be done!
The Frugal Samurai
Well yes that’s true, the people have spoken of course… did you hear how there’s almost 2 MILLION people who protested?
L (Elle) H of Saitama With Kids
That first photo – wow – sardines in a tin comes to mind. It looks like one false move from someone in the back and there will be a domino effect resulting in a pile on!
The Frugal Samurai
Hahaha yes, that’s what I thought about as well when I saw it – so APT.
natalielovesbeauty
I had no idea this conflict was occurring, but have been following the trade war in the news. Thank you for enlightening me.
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, thank you for reading!
Tara Pittman (@momknowsbest15)
So much going on with Hong Kong.I hope things will be good for the people
The Frugal Samurai
Well I hope so as well, for both sides…
Sarah Bailey
Thank you for explaining everything that is going on with the protests, I had heard about them but hadn’t really understood everything behind them until now.
The Frugal Samurai
That’s quite alright! Thank you for reading and commenting.
reclaimingmysmile
I had no idea about any of this so thank you for peaking my curiosity to do some further research! Are these violent or peaceful protests?
The Frugal Samurai
Um… well they are mostly peaceful but some ugly scenes have made the media waves… there’s always two sides for every confrontation and story but!
Krysten (@WeirdGirlBlog)
Wow, thank you for explaining the situation to all of us. I had no idea the history behind it.
The Frugal Samurai
That’s quite alright!
fashionandstylepolice
Thanks for educating me. Not really sure why all the protests were going on but I now know why.
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks for reading!
Annie Cho
I really hope Hong Kong can maintain their autonomy! Also side note, I’m so curious what sugar cane juice tastes like!
xoxo
Annie
The Frugal Samurai
Say what! You haven’t lived until you’ve sugar canned… just wow! Hahaha thanks for reading!
delhifundos2014
Sitting in India we hardly get to know about such news. Thanks for actually writing about it and explaining the intricacies of the situation.
The Frugal Samurai
I’m glad someone gets value from my words! Thanks for reading 🙂
Ceci Rey
I loved reading this! Even though, a serious topic, you brought light humor to the mix. Thanks for sharing!
The Frugal Samurai
No problemo it’s what I do! Thanks for reading and if you like it, come back for more!
Kaitlyn Fortier
Wow… who would’ve thought? So much history is involved in this conflict.
The Frugal Samurai
I know right! It’s pretty incredible when you think on it… 50 years is fast approaching too!
Itzel
I love your writing style and I have to thank you for making me aware of something I didn’t even know was happening.
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you for saying so, and no problem it’s my pleasure – thanks for reading!
Shalzzz
Thanks for sharing all the details. Didn’t know there was plenty of history there!
The Frugal Samurai
There really is ain’t there – thanks for reading 🙂
Eloise
great read! I always like learning new things and your history of Hong Kongs underlying issues was definitely informative ; )
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks for reading! Haha yeah there’s a fair amount of history going on behind the scenes… be keen to see how the future pans out though.
Alexandra Cook
It is crazy to see what is going on there. Good for them though, these are the things that matter.
The Frugal Samurai
Yeah true but I read that there was around 2 MILLION people out… that’s a lot of bodies in such a small space!
Oluborode Ayokanmi
Great post. Thanks for taking your time to explain.
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks for reading!
Brittany Vantrease
I had no idea that any of this was happening. I guess this is a good reminder that I should pay more attention to world news. I hope things get resolved positively.
The Frugal Samurai
That’s OK, so much going on in the world, who can really keep up these days! Thanks for reading though, you can just get what’s important on here! Hahaha
Tina Andrews
Wow the whole culture there is something. I never really understood the whole Hong Kong be separate and more privileged that all of China. They just want to silence people … Free Tibet, wish they would get out of there,
The Frugal Samurai
Yeah true, true, the separatist culture goes VERY deep… ah yes Tibet… another whole kettle of fish.
PaulaMS
I haven’t been able to watch the news lately and wasn’t sure what was going on. Thanks for explaining it so well.
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, thanks for reading!
Adriana Lopez Santibañez
I do not get to find news about Hong Kong so I appreciate your point of view on this. I am not into politics but history does play a big role on present conflicts. Same as happens on other countries.
The Frugal Samurai
Oh yes very wise, it’s all history tbh… that and young people speaking up for their futures.
Sarah Emery
Great explanation of the complexity of numerous issues, potential outcomes and what else is affected. Great read.
The Frugal Samurai
Wow, thanks for the kind words!
Laithan
Having been to Hong Kong, and seeing how civilised the place is, these protests are incredible. I am fully in support of the protests, because extradition to China which is not exactly aligned in its thinking with Hong Kong is a recipe for disaster.
The Frugal Samurai
True and totally agree with you, although as the 50 years deadline approaches… I think China will try and assimilate HK more forcibly. Especially if President Xi turns into Dictator Xi…
Joanna
This was a very interesting read. I have seen the news about the protests on tv, but I didn’t really know what they were for. I was in a foreign country so I didn’t understand the language, but I have seen the amounts of people and did wonder what has happened.
The Frugal Samurai
Yeah, I’m not sure that it made too made waves in the Western media, but good to get alternate points of view no?
Hannah Marie
You guys are brave to stand up for your rights. It looks messy and uncontrolled at the meantime. Hope the favor of the nature will be in your hands.
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you for your comments… but I’m not part of the protests here! Just a little guy in this big bad world.
aisasami
It seems like Hong Kong doesn’t really want to be under the Chinese government system although it is part of the country. I wonder what will happen when the 50 year transition will be up, well Hong Kong seek their own independence? I think there could be some Western countries like the US and maybe the UK that would support Hong Kong a s a country.
The Frugal Samurai
I know! I wonder what will happen as well, I’m sure they will “try” to, but I am also sure that the Chinese government won’t allow it. Mark my words, it’s gonna be more forceful in the future – fair enough to be fair, it is one of its territories.
Sarah
Wow I had no idea!! Thanks for explaining this…. So interesting!
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, thanks for reading!
Luna S
It is truly amazing how big some of these protests can get and it is also amazing how passionate many of these people are.
The Frugal Samurai
Yeah, it is pretty amazing ain’t it… sign of the times I reckon.
Cristina Ioana
I’ve seen the protests on the news and I fully support the people’s freedom of speech. I hope it will be a favourable outcome.
P.S. The sugar cane juice on ice looks good!
The Frugal Samurai
Nice one and so you should. Hope it’s a fair outcome for all parties, but highly doubt it! YEAH, sugar cane FTW!!!
Rose A (@mail4rosey)
I wonder why it hasn’t been in the news here much. I had no idea this was going on. 🙁
The Frugal Samurai
Guess it just doesn’t make the Western media much!
Annita Nikole
Oh, boy. Hong Kong has been in the middle of things for so long. What’s a tiny country to do with the shear SIZE of China. There’s been an uneasy peace, I think, and sometimes we even forget about it. This is such a reminder that this issue is LOOMING and very very close to coming to a head. To be completely honest, I’m worried about Hong Kong.
The Frugal Samurai
Oh nice one, but it’s important to note that Hong Kong is actually a territory of China, (think Puerto Rico and the US) so in fairness, China is within its rights to push the envelope (only so far), but there’s a cultural antagonism at stake here… anyway, be interesting to see how it all pans out!
distherapy
Thank you for explaining this situation in full. I have been following as closely as the US news covers the situation- I intend to visit Hong Kong next April and will keep an eye on your future posts!
The Frugal Samurai
That’s fine! And great to hear you’ll go and visit, it’s certainly a hustling and bustling kinda place… thanks for reading!
swathiiyer
I watched the protest in news but never new much details, thanks for sharing in this great post.I am with protesters in this case.
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, thanks for reading! Seems like everyone who’s commented so far is pro-protestors!
Myrah Duque
Wasn’t aware of these protests! Thanks for the explanation. I am all for protests. They do provide results. People need to stand up. Thinking of what will happen when the 50 year is up.
The Frugal Samurai
Agree with you! If you have a voice – then be heard right!
Romina Tibytt
wow I didn’t know that this was happening. I hope all the best for the people of Hong Kong.r
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks for reading!
HolyVeggies
I’ve heard about this on the news and the bbc. I get the feeling the media never tell the whole story.
The Frugal Samurai
Nah they never do… just do what’s necessary to sell eyeballs methinks!
Fatima D Torres
Wow, had no idea this was going on. Hope things get better for the people.
The Frugal Samurai
Yeah I know, pretty crazy right!