“China was really angry” | The last governor of Hong Kong Chris Patten meets Matt Frei (Part 1)

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Lord Chris Patten, former Governor of Hong Kong and Chancellor of the University of Oxford, reflects on his unique experiences with the Chinese government and the challenges of overseeing Hong Kong's transition in the lead-up to 1997. He discusses the tension between British imperial legacies, the political realities of Hong Kong’s future, and the complex relationship with China. Matt Fry, the international presenter, joins him to explore the broader political and cultural context, including the moral dilemmas of governance and the enduring legacy of British rule in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 Chris Patten was appointed as the last Governor of Hong Kong in a somewhat unexpected turn of events, after losing his seat in Bath in 1992.
• 😀 Patten reflects on how his appointment to Hong Kong was a 'lucky' opportunity, one that he greatly valued for the chance to live in the city and work with the local community.
• 😀 Patten's memoirs were created during the COVID-19 lockdown, where he revisited his diaries from his time in Hong Kong, with help from his family and technology.
• 😀 There was a sense of duty to protect the legacy of British rule in Hong Kong, focusing on principles like rule of law and freedom of speech, while balancing relations with China.
• 😀 Tensions existed between British political instincts and the Foreign Office's desire to align closely with China, especially as the 1997 handover neared.
• 😀 Patten describes the moral dilemma of handing over Hong Kong to China without asking the people of Hong Kong for their opinion, a point raised by a local during a visit to a mental hospital.
• 😀 Many Hong Kongers were actively engaged in political issues, contrary to the belief of some British businessmen who saw them as primarily focused on making money.
• 😀 Patten aimed to maintain stability and economic prosperity in Hong Kong while also reducing social and economic inequalities during his tenure.
• 😀 A key political challenge for Patten was balancing his responsibility to Hong Kong's citizens with diplomatic obligations to Beijing and London.
• 😀 The handover of Hong Kong in 1997 was marked by a more positive farewell than anticipated, with citizens thanking Patten’s administration rather than expressing anger or resentment.

Q & A

How did Chris Patton view his appointment as the Governor of Hong Kong?

Chris Patton saw his appointment as Governor of Hong Kong as an 'accidental' turn in his career. He had lost his seat in Bath in 1992 and was offered various roles, including the governorship of Hong Kong. Despite the unexpected nature of the appointment, Patton regarded it as one of the happiest circumstances of his life, particularly due to his strong connections with the people and his love for the city.

What were the main challenges Chris Patton faced in his role as Governor of Hong Kong?

Chris Patton faced several challenges, including balancing the demands of the British government, the interests of China, and the needs of the people of Hong Kong. As the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty approached, he navigated the tension between maintaining Hong Kong’s freedoms and ensuring a positive relationship with Beijing, especially given the legacy of British colonial rule.

What role did Chris Patton’s wife play in his career transition to Hong Kong?

Chris Patton’s wife played a crucial role in his transition to Hong Kong, as she gave up her legal career to make it possible for the family to relocate. Patton expressed gratitude for her support, as it allowed him to pursue the opportunity that became one of the most rewarding of his career.

How did Chris Patton describe his relationship with the people of Hong Kong?

Chris Patton had a deep affection for Hong Kong and its people. He spoke highly of the public service workers and many friends he made there. His time in Hong Kong was a fulfilling personal and professional experience, and he felt that his work was appreciated by the locals, particularly at the end of his term when people cheered as he left.

What was Chris Patton’s perspective on Hong Kong’s political and social situation?

Chris Patton recognized that Hong Kong’s political and social environment was complex. While there were significant social and economic inequities, he focused on stabilizing the economy and addressing those issues. Patton also advocated for the expansion of higher education and political awareness in Hong Kong, contrary to the view held by some British businessmen that the population was only interested in making money.

How did Chris Patton address the issue of democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong?

Patton believed that Hong Kong’s political development, including its democracy and rule of law, was crucial. He sought to uphold the city’s legal systems and ensure that Hong Kongers had a voice in their future. He disagreed with those who suggested that the people were not interested in politics, asserting that many were deeply engaged and concerned with their governance and political freedoms.

What did Chris Patton think about the British Foreign Office’s approach to Hong Kong’s handover to China?

Chris Patton had a critical view of the British Foreign Office’s handling of Hong Kong’s handover to China, particularly its secretive dealings with Beijing. He opposed the Foreign Office’s tendency to prioritize diplomatic relations over the wishes of Hong Kong’s people, arguing that the city’s future should not be dictated solely by geopolitical considerations.

What was the significance of the 'quarter-final appeal' issue during Chris Patton’s tenure?

The 'quarter-final appeal' was a key political issue during Patton’s tenure. His predecessor had secretly negotiated a deal with China to establish a new judicial system in Hong Kong, replacing the role of the British Privy Council. This was met with resistance from Hong Kong’s legal community, and Patton saw it as an example of a failure to respect the city's autonomy and the wishes of its people.

How did Chris Patton view the relationship between Hong Kong’s people and China?

Chris Patton believed that the people of Hong Kong had a distinct identity from China, particularly in terms of their political and social values. He rejected the idea that Hong Kongers had to embrace the Chinese Communist Party to demonstrate their patriotism to China. He emphasized that the people of Hong Kong had a strong sense of civic pride and were deeply connected to the city’s institutions and values.

What was Chris Patton’s ultimate goal during his tenure as Governor of Hong Kong?

Chris Patton’s ultimate goal as Governor of Hong Kong was to ensure the city’s stability and its continued success as a global financial hub. He aimed to reduce social and economic inequalities, keep the public on his side, and create a positive legacy by making the best decisions possible within the constraints he faced. He wanted to leave Hong Kong in a situation where the people felt their interests were considered, even if perfection was not achieved.