After the
Coronavirus pandemic slowed the momentum of anti-government, pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, the protest movement picked up steam again Sunday after
Beijing signaled it would directly impose national security laws on the city. Now, many of the young
protesters believe the only two outcomes are either independence or the loss of autonomy promised in China's 19917 territorial exchange with the United Kingdom.If the latter situation happens, U.S. National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien expects an economic fallout in Hong Kong, as well. Hong Kong, he said, has emerged as Asia's financial center because financial service firms and other businesses flocked to the city thanks to its democracy, free enterprise, and rule of law. If Hong Kong loses those defining characteristics, in O'Brien's view, because of a Beijing takeover, he can't envision how those companies can remain.He also predicts that many Hong Kong citizens would seek a way out, as well. "I think you're also going to have a terrible brain drain," he said. "I think Hong Kong citizens, many of whom can travel under certain circumstances to the
United Kingdom or seek refuge other places, they're not going to stay in Hong Kong to be dominated by the People's Republic of
China and the Communist Party."