THERE IS NO CHINA:

Hong Kong 'referendum' sets China on edge: With five pieces of paper, democrats in Hong Kong have addressed a defiant challenge to China's one-party Communist leadership and its consuming devotion to political stability. (Polly Hui, 02 Feb 2010, Daily Telegraph)

When the five lawmakers tendered their resignations last week, bidding to turn the resulting by-elections into a referendum for democracy, Civic Party leader Audrey Eu said there was "no reason to fear the people's will".

"We are going to do it by five pieces of paper, by five resignation letters," she said.

But political observers say Beijing has much to fear from the symbolism of a fully fledged democracy campaign taking root on a part of its soil.

"Hong Kong has always been looked upon as the best model for those who want to push for democracy in mainland China," said Johnny Lau, a veteran commentator on China affairs.

"We should never underestimate the implications of the city's democratic movement on other parts of China," he said.

"Civic groups have already emerged in China. However, their actions have not yet been able to effect changes because wealth is still concentrated in the pockets of top bureaucrats."

Pro-Beijing parties are vowing to boycott the forthcoming by-elections, and China's cabinet has condemned the democrats' campaign as a "blatant challenge" to the city's constitutional set-up under mainland rule.

There are other signs that people in Hong Kong are chafing at Beijing's stewardship.

What's that old Tex Antoine saying? If devolution is inevitable, sit back and enjoy it.

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 2, 2010 6:56 AM