The Development of the Hong Kong Identity and the Rise of Localist Movements

The number of people identifying only, or primarily, as Hongkongers has increased significantly in recent years. The main reason for this trend is the growing mistrust among the city's residents toward the undemocratic Chinese government, which is apparently negating on its promise of political representation under “one-country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong.” As Hong Kong's liberal authoritarian regime stands in stark contrast to China's illiberal regime, suspicions about the real intentions of the Chinese government toward Hong Kong are increasing. According to qualitative in-depth interviews with university students, there are political, social, economic and cultural reasons which contribute to the desire for a separate identity. Particularly important for many is the negative image of the Chinese identity driven by negative news such as food scandals, poor product quality, arrests of dissidents, internet censorship and other social problems, as well as the behavior of Chinese tourists in Hong Kong have shaped their identity. Consequently, they seek to distinguish themselves from the Chinese in the mainland. While most students still see themselves as ethnically Chinese, they subscribe to a civic identity based on liberal values that is distinct from the one promoted by the Communist regime on the mainland. In recent years, however, there is also a new identity emerging that seeks to create a separate nation based on cultural features such as Cantonese, the supposed civilized behavior of Hongkongers, and much greater influence of Western elements. This growing ethnic identification with Hong Kong is the driving force behind the emergence of the localist or nativist movement.