The Debate on Hong Kong's Future
VIEW EVENT DETAILSBreakfast available from 8 a.m.
Discussion begins at 8:30 a.m.
Last year, Hong Kong celebrated the 20th anniversary of its handover from British to Chinese rule under the “One Country, Two Systems” governing model—which pledged to create a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong in its relations with mainland China. The anniversary also marked an occasion to reflect on Hong Kong's accomplishments, particularly in terms of development and economic growth. Yet the anniversary also saw demonstrations from Hong Kong residents who believe the governing model has come under threat from Beijing, along with their dreams of universal suffrage. In the country’s by-elections just last month, however, pro-democracy lawmakers lost seats in their legislature. And at the same time in Beijing, the National People’s Congress approved the removal of presidential term limits, paving the way for current leader Xi Jinping to further consolidate power.
Against this backdrop, join ASPI for a discussion on Hong Kong's future, with two speakers from Hong Kong's Civic Party: Alan Leong, Civic Party founding member and Chairman, and Party Leader from 2010-2016; and Alvin Yeung, current Party Leader and a member of the legislature. ASPI Vice President of International Security and Diplomacy Daniel Russel will moderate the conversation.
Speakers
Alan Leong Kah-kit was a founding member of the Civic Party, a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong from 2004-2016, and served as Civic Party Leader from 2010-2016. He started his career as a barrister, and in 1998, was called to the Inner Bar as the first appointment of Senior Counsel after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). He also served as Chairman of Hong Kong Bar Association from 2001-2003. He obtained his LLB from the University of Hong Kong and LLM from the University of Cambridge.
Alvin Yeung Ngok Kiu is the current Leader of the Civic Party and a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. In 2011, he was elected as a member of the Legal Constituency of the Election Committee for the Chief Executive. In February 2016, he won the by-election of the Legislative Council representing New Territories East and was re-elected in September 2016. He is also currently a member of the Appeal Panel for Housing and a practicing barrister in Hong Kong. He holds a master's in legal studies from the University of Bristol and a master of laws from Peking University.
Daniel Russel (Moderator) is the Vice President of International Security and Diplomacy at the Asia Society Policy Institute. He was previously Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs until March 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Russel served at the White House as Special Assistant to the President and National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affair, helping to formulate President Obama’s strategic rebalance to the Asia Pacific region.
Event Details
Asia Society
725 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021