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| Hong Kong's Umbrella Movement |
By Aaron TAM
For the majority of Hong Kongers, the notion of breaking away from mainland China is far-fetched -- but pro-independence leader Andy Chan insists it can become a reality as fears grow Beijing is tightening its grip.
Critics cast young activists such as Chan, who set up the Hong Kong National Party (HKNP) in March, as naive political novices without a workable strategy, campaigning for the unattainable.
But while many in the city may believe the independence mission is futile, the discussion of what was largely a taboo subject in Hong Kong has now undeniably become part of its political narrative as frustrations increase, particularly among younger generations.
"The Chinese Communist Party will never give us democracy, so I decided to cut off from them... that's the reason that I pursue independence," Chan, 25, told AFP.
"Why can they decide our fate and destiny, even though we are two different groups (of people)?"
Chan says his party has 30 core members, all of whom are under 30-years-old.
HKNP's brazen pro-independence stance has drawn ire from Beijing and authorities in Hong Kong, who have warned campaigning for a breakaway will damage the city's future prosperity and say that advocating independence could result in unspecified "action according to the law".
Chan remains undeterred.
Read the full story at SinoDaily