세계체제와 탈식민 - 본토 홍콩의 정치경제학

Abstract

During my research about Hong Kong, I have been thinking about the value of the Hong Kong’s identity. The main purpose of the study was to research and conclude about Hong Kong’s identity and how important it is. I have also questioned about the legitimacy of Hong Kong’s identity within or outside the country. When you first arrive at Hong Kong International Airport, you will find a phrase that stated ‘Asia’s World City’ first. Geographically Hong Kong is located in Asia and for many, it is viewed as one of Asia’s main business hub, the ‘World City’ represents Hong Kong is a globalized and open city. As one of the main leading city in Asia during the era of globalization, Hong Kong with its slogan title of ‘Asia’s World City’ has always been proud of it, however internally it has been facing two major issues that may threaten its stability, the first being the laissez-faire capitalism which leads to the economic disparity gap between the rich and poor. The Second is the wide spread of Chinese nationalism propaganda that the Chinese colonizers have brought. In order to keep its locality, Hong Kong has to survive from the threats of both capitalism and colonialism. I have been observing Hong Kong as a capitalistic place from the world system perspective, and also imagining the process of Hong Kong’s beyond colonialism, nationalism and capitalism. When we recognize that the globalization is rapidly proceeding despite of its pros and cons, and we can understand that the formation of open market is ultimately inevitable, Hong Kong is currently on the way to be one. Many scholars have indicated that when both of localization and globalization develop in parallel, tension and competition would naturally emerge between them. Therefore, with the advent of globalization, we can easily assume that localization and nationalism are keeping each other in check. Obviously, the tension between globalism and localism is complex and multifaceted. Globalization identity and cultural identity are always competing with each other. Since Hong Kong is representing issues in the view of world system, this place holds a very important position. To be specific, Hong Kong shows that solving a problem of subalterns and missing citizens caused by colonialism and capitalism from advanced countries is a prerequisite for globalization. In my opinion, there is a ‘China– Hong Kong System’ which is similar to a substructure of the ‘World System’. When we take a clear look at the relationship between China and Hong Kong now, according to the words of Long Ying-tai about colonialism, it ignores the masses and does not focus on the long-term development that the British government has applied on before. After the transfer of its sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China in 1997, there have been conflicts between Main Land China and its semi-periphery ‘Hong Kong’ regarding Hong Kong’s identity without taking into account its local values and freedom. With great economic benefits as the forefront reason for change, China is trying hard to change and curb Hong Kong’s intrinsic values which were the core origins of the Island City.