Mainstream Hong Kong media mostly, if not completely, ignored the Beijing Sitong Bridge banner protest, presumably fearing repercussions if they mentioned or showed photos of anti-government slogans. HK Free Press an exception (if it counts as ‘mainstream’). A bio of the guy behind the banner…
…Peng’s scant writings online make clear his opposition to dictatorship. He posted numerous clips of coercive Covid prevention measures.
A scientist, he decried the superstitious and irrational behavior of authorities.
It’s not surprising that a data-driven, science-oriented person such as a physicist should find the politics-driven public health mandates affixed to the ego and image of the paramount leader to be absurd.
The weakening of Hong Kong news coverage applies to local affairs, too. Here’s a brief and bland RTHK story about a man hit and killed on Friday by an anonymous cement mixer in Yau Tong. Now read Transit Jam’s report naming the China Concrete site, including details of how the company has apparently ignored past government orders to cease operations, plus video of Putonghua-speaking security guards chasing him away.
Thus declining government accountability, whether it’s Covid regulations, traffic safety – or location of bus stops. An HKFP op-ed looks at the de-facto (and not even legal) suspension of functioning District Councils after the authorities hounded the bodies’ mostly pro-democrat members into resigning.
Yet censorship in Hong Kong still has some way to go: thread on a Wall Street Journal survey of attempts to search names of China’s top leaders online…
The true irony is that Chinese internet users can discuss U.S. politicians such as President Biden much more freely. Compare the zero results of Chinese leader Xi to 184,000 comments on Biden, with opinions ranging from respect to disgust.
I wouldn’t be so sure the bus stop on the left side will never be used by people going downhill.
Driving on the left side of the road is British perfidy.
“The true irony is that Chinese internet users can discuss U.S. politicians such as President Biden much more freely. Compare the zero results of Chinese leader Xi to 184,000 comments on Biden, with opinions ranging from respect to disgust.”
There is nothing ironic about that at all.