FAO Global’s Founder and CEO Brandon Hughes gives his firsthand experience landing at Hong Kong International Airport during the recent protests. This article was originally published via Linkedin here.
On Sunday August 11, I landed at Hong Kong International Airport and was greeted to rows upon rows of protesters outside of immigration from international arrivals. As I walked past the crowds holding up signs denouncing China and calling for freedom one thing stood out. It was incredibly reserved compared to what we saw in the news. While this certainly wasn’t the case for other areas and incidents in Hong Kong over the past few months, the airport protests did not appear uncontrolled.
An International Airport Shuts Down:
Then, on Monday August 12, the administrators of Hong Kong International Airport (and likely other government entities) decided that all flights in or out would be cancelled due to the overwhelming presence of new protesters. Businesses in Hong Kong had to close because so many of the employees were taking the day off to join in (many of my own planned meetings were cancelled because of this). Live video of the protests was shown through South China Morning Post’s website and social media feeds. What was shown appeared to be relatively calm but the chaos that occurred to thousands of travelers was real. Alternate flights booked up & many airlines appeared apathetic about the situation (even an emirates representative told a colleague it was on them to find an alternate route and good luck).
Many of my colleagues flying into Hong Kong this week had to scramble to reroute to Shenzhen, Macau, or push back their flights to Thursday.
Real Economic Impacts:
Hong Kong’s protests have already started to have an economic impact. Not only towards Hong Kong businesses but international markets, real estate, and daily life. The shutting down of Hong Kong’s primary artery to the international community was a step that highlighted the issues but also brought about frustration and concern to those impacted. Capital flows have started looking elsewhere as the once pristine image of Hong Kong as the world’s bridge to the east is starting to fade. The international community wants to act but the only people that get hurt are local Hong Kongers from any action. Even Cathay Pacific’s shares dropped after the Civil Aviation Administration of China essentially banned Cathay employees involved in the protests from working on flights to the mainland.
The Government’s Patience is Wearing Thin:
Recent comments from Hong Kong, Macau, and Beijing government representatives have called for an increasingly stronger reaction in force. Protesters are being arrested for use of laser pointers against police officers and incidents of tear gas seems more common. Last night, the news highlighted a new crowd control vehicle the Hong Kong police have. The use of the word “terrorism” is now being thrown around to describe the protests that the government has increasingly characterized the protests as riots (in some instances the actions by protesters have been). As a whole the protests are still widely peaceful, albeit disruptive to many working-class citizens. International observers are concerned Beijing may choose a military option and get directly involved.
This is becoming a powder-keg of a situation as there are few actions Beijing can take without incurring significant political and economic damage if things get out of hand. Western countries can only do so much since government is citing outside influence as a leading cause and too much pressure may push Beijing into a corner. If economic & political levers are used to influence the situation, Hong Kongers get hurt even if it is for long-term change.
Diplomacy only has so many avenues to walk and patience is a valuable commodity at this stage.
The Future is Not Defined Yet:
From my simple vantage point it appears that the only way forward is for the protest movement and local government to come to an understanding. There will never be a situation where both sides are satisfied but there may be an middle ground reached. Beijing cannot afford to have Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam resign without losing face. The protests are likely to continue as each clash with police further adds fuel to the cause.
What is clear is that the future of Hong Kong is still incredible uncertain. The only sure thing is that things are changing. How or what that looks like is being defined now.
What we can do is support a peaceful resolution.
About the Author:
Brandon Hughes is a U.S. Businessman and CEO/Founder of FAO Global (www.FAOGlobal.com) specializing in cross-border ventures facilitating business ventures between the U.S. and the Asia-Pacific. He has more than a decade of experience working on international projects and has spent 5 years in Asia working in private, public, and non-profit roles. He speaks Mandarin Chinese and was one of the first U.S. graduates of China’s Elite Tsinghua University for a master’s in International Relations/Political Science pilot program. He has a B.S. in International Business and is completing an Global MBA through Columbia University, London Business School, and Hong Kong University.
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