In this thought-provoking discussion, our guest Martin Jacques, British academic, journalist, political commentator and writer, offers a perspective on Hong Kong that challenges both Western and Chinese narratives.

Drawing from personal experience living in Hong Kong, he examines the colonial legacy of racial hierarchy, critiques China’s “hands-off” approach after 1997, and questions the contradictions in the 2019 protests—where demonstrators waved British flags while demanding democracy, despite 156 years without democratic elections under British rule.

He argues that Hong Kong’s deep-rooted problems—from land monopolies to wealth concentration—were never addressed, allowing discontent to fester. The conversation also explores a broader shift: how Southeast Asia is moving away from looking West for inspiration, toward greater regional integration.

This is an uncomfortable but honest conversation that refuses to take sides—and that’s exactly why it matters.

For more insights from Martin Jacques, pls visit: http://www.martinjacques.com/