Name? Boris Johnson
Westphalian identity? British
Age? 55
Why is he in the news? The U.K. Prime Minister announced today that either 350,000 or 3 million overseas British nationals in Hong Kong would not only be allowed to apply for the British Overseas passport, but also have the right to live in the U.K. Without a doubt, this is the most direct and passive aggressive move made by any Western state against China’s slow encroachment on Hong Kong.
Why do we care? Britain believes it has a ‘special relationship’ with nearly all countries it has invaded, colonised or created. But Johnson’s action to support Hong Kong actually shows how far the U.K. has fallen, and whose best option was offering passports? It also shows how Britain has abandoned following Trump’s trade war antics and has decided to pursue its own policies and agenda in regards to Hong Kong; further distancing itself from all of its traditional allies.
Why should you care? Throughout the Trump presidency, the U.K. has distanced itself from the E.U. (see Brexshit) and has attempted to align itself more with the American president. Offering 3 million long-term visas is no small feat, and directly goes against the U.S. latest actions regarding Hong Kong. Though, realistically, less than 1 million would consider the move, it remains a possibility that Hong Kong, under China, will face a significant brain drain and capital flight (which BJ is hoping to capitalize off of).
Who else cares? The United States has been largely supportive of the current arrangement between Hong Kong and China under the “one country, two systems” ruling method. Lately, however, the U.S. has lambasted China for its moves to no longer allow Hong Kong to remain a bulwark of ‘freedom.’ China undoubtedly sees this as a challenge to its encroaching efforts into Hong Kong. Johnson’s move adds further pressure on Beijing to change its approach.
Any further comments? Some would say this whole debacle is a farce…The United Kingdom is no longer the master of the seas, an empire or a relative military or economic power. As a result, the kingdom has resorted to using the strength of its passport to make China rethink its actions against Hong Kong. Whether Beijing considers this an actual threat or problem remains to be seen, but regardless, it is a significant diplomatic move that has more bark than bite.
