From the Editor
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When will freedom arrive? It seems that the mainland Chinese and the Hong Kong governments are busy preparing for the handover — there's the Preparatory Committee, the election of the chief executive of the Special Administrative Region, and so on. They are doing and saying many things to comfort Hongkongers. However, Hongkongers are still filled with uncertainty, filled with worry and frustration. Besides the economic prosperity of Hong Kong, many residents are highly aware of the degree of freedom they enjoy. In many situations, representatives of the Chinese government have said that Hong Kong will be ruled under the principle of "one country, two systems", and Hong Kong residents are going to have a high degree of autonomy and freedom.
However, during the past few months: Of course, the Chinese government has its reasons behind its conduct of internal affairs. But what if the same situation happens in Hong Kong? What will be the fate of the people who criticize government policies and the chief executive in the Special Administrative Region, just as they are doing now? It is said that Hong Kong people will be able to express their opinions and report news objectively in the Special Administrative Region, provided that they are not seditious. Yet, there is no clear border between the two. Is reporting about protests against the government seditious? Nowhere can we find the answer — not even in the Basic Law. Being closely related to China, Hong Kong can be prosperous after 1997 only if China also becomes prosperous; and only if the Chinese government truly guarantees Hong Kong freedom will the citizens be confident about their freedom. But when will this day come?
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