Yesterday was the last day of China’s National Day golden week holiday. In the afternoon, some local citizens launched a campaign at the Sheung Shui MTR station, urging Chinese parallel traders and purchasing agents to stop coming to Hong Kong.
During the demonstration, the organizer Mr. Liang entered into verbal conflict with Chinese passengers several times. The event was attended by more than 10 people, including new alliance Tsuen Wan councilor, Tam Kah Kwan. The protesters held up signs that said, “Love your motherland, do not use foreign goods, do not be dogs.”
Mr. Tam pointed to the impact the Chinese tourists have had on the Hong Kong people’s lives and the fact that no one from any place or country would buy daily necessities such as lemon tea from other cities. The demonstrations lasted for about an hour and a half, with the protesters chanting, “Return to mainland China” and “Go back to the greater bay area.”
The student reporter from HKBU asked whether Mr. Tam was a supporter of Hong Kong independence, which he denied. Mr. Tam said he was only doing this to protect Hong Kong and his homeland.
At 4 p.m., a middle-aged woman holding a shopping cart was scolding the group. She also slapped the TV station camera. The demonstrators chased after her and demanded for law enforcement to intervene. The woman ran into the Sheung Shui square and was caught by members of the group. The police later dispatched officers to deal with the situation. The mall was closed because of this incident.
Mr. Tam told the reporter, “The lives of the residents of Sheung Shui have been troubled by the arrival of parallel traders and free travelers.” According to the HK tourism board, an average of 130,000 passengers has visited Hong Kong each day from January to August 2018. Mr.Tam also pointed out that “the number of cosmetic shops in Hong Kong has doubled and it is probably related to it. In addition, due to the impact of the Sino-US trade war, it is estimated that the problem of parallel imports will be more serious at the beginning of next year.”
Some Shenzhen residents said, “If you do not let me, then I will not come.” However, some travelers have said that “Hong Kong goods are cheaper. I would like to buy them in Hong Kong. Is it not my freedom to do so?”
“Must Hong Kong and the mainland be so clearly separated?” asked another Shenzhen resident, Mr. Liu.
Elaine Hon's Studio 