Guarding the Space In-between

Abstract

Based on eight in-depth interviews, this article analyses the quandary faced by liberal mainland Chinese student migrants in Hong Kong. On the one hand, the liberal pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong are deeply intertwined with the rise of localism, which is based on a dichotomy between Hong Kong and mainland China. On the other hand, a rising, development-centric nationalism in mainland China reduces Hong Kong protesters to unemancipated British colonial subjects. However, in the context of this “double marginalisation,” liberal Mainland students guard a form of liberalism that transcends both Hong Kong localism and Chinese nationalism. They debunk the stereotype of mainland Chinese students being apolitical and therefore provide an alternative definition of being Chinese. They challenge the view that mainland Chinese can only be emancipated outside mainland China to destabilise a Fukuyamian linear interpretation of history. They use four tactics to cope with double marginalisation: understanding localists, befriending expatriates, assuming professionalism, and becoming apolitical.
 Image © Ling Tang

Negotiating civic identity across different political contexts: Immigrant participation in social movements and political incorporation

“…A double marginalization was encountered by Chinese immigrants seeking liberal rights in Hong Kong due to the political climate in the city. Liberal pro-democracy social movements are intimately linked to the rise of localism, while nationalism in mainland China left Chinese immigrants in an awkward position when participating in social movements (Tang, 2021). Accordingly, the participation of Chinese immigrants illustrates the significance of regime change and how immigrants transition from authoritarian regimes to democratic regimes to participate in local political and social movements.…”