HONG KONG -- China's "One Country, Two Systems," approach to the governance of Hong Kong has always made for an uneasy partnership. Now, as the People's Republic continues its ongoing battle with Google over that company's decision to reroute users to its uncensored Hong Kong site, Hong Kongers have reignited their fight for universal suffrage, once again testing the relationship. However, this time around, there may be more at stake for Beijing than just some disgruntled neighbors to the south.
John Delury, associate director of Asia Society's Center on U.S.-China Relations, says that there are two different ways in which the current situation with Google can be viewed. According to one perspective, Beijing is allowing Hong Kong to function as a vent, releasing pressure on a tense situation, but ultimately containing free expression.
"You've got this standoff between Google and China. This is a compromise, a workaround," Delury says.