Tiananmen Square Dissident Calls on Hong Kong to Become a “Role Model” for China
International Herald Tribune: Chinese dissident from Tiananmen protests encourages Hong Kong to push for democracy
April 23, 2007 | Printer Friendly

The International Herald Tribune reports that Chinese dissident Chen Ziming has called on Hong Kong to “…serve as a role model for China in all aspects.”  Chen believes that “Hong Kongers are in a good position to pressure for democracy in their territory,” in contrast to mainland Chinese who face more serve restrictions.  Despite having the political space to push for democratic reforms, Chen says that “…Hong Kong’s democratic movement is ‘not satisfactory,’” calling on the people to engage in respectful dialogue with Chinese officials because “Hong Kongers are taken serious by authorities in Beijing…” 

Chen was released from prison by China in 1996 following his arrest in 1989 for “advising students during the pro-democracy protests (in the Tiananmen Square uprising).”  He is currently in Hong Kong doing research for his upcoming book on reforming the Chinese government.  The article calls the permission he received for this trip “rare,” citing that many Chinese have been banned from visiting Hong Kong since 1997.