ABSTRACT
Although Taiwan and Hong Kong have many substantial differences in their relationships with mainland China, Professor Yahuda points out important linkages between the two entities. His examination of these linkages and of Sino-British negotiations over Hong Kong offer many insights for Taiwan’s own dealings with mainland China.
Professor Yahuda discusses some factors in Sino-British negotiations that may have important implications for Taiwan. He points out that mutual distrust has complicated negotiations and has made Beijing especially wary of democratic reforms. The lessons learned from Beijing’s reactions to democratic developments in Hong Kong may prove enlightening for Taiwan, as may Hong Kong’s experiences of balancing unilateral and bilateral policy making (vis-à-vis Beijing).
The most important lesson may be Professor Yahuda’s observations regarding Chinese nationalism. Common to the situations of both Taiwan and Hong Kong is Beijing’s perception of both regions as part of the “unfinished business” of re-establishing Chinese unity. Professor Yahuda notes that China’s sentiments of national pride and emphasis on sovereignty have led to a surprising willingness on Beijing’s part to sacrifice economic and other considerations. Beijing’s inflexibility in this regard has far-reaching implications for cross-straits negotiations and for any declaration of independence by Taiwan.
