Why is Britain so powerless to prevent China’s stranglehold over Hong Kong?

The west as a whole seems unsure as to how to contain China. Britain’s ability to flex its diplomatic muscle is diminished, says Sean O'Grady

Hong Kong's pro-democracy lawmakers announced they are resigning en masse after a move by the government to disqualify four pro-democracy legislators (AP)

China’s creeping and incessant erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy has grown more rapid and blatant in recent years. New laws created the conditions whereby elected members of Hong Kong’s legislative council could be dismissed for the crime of advocating independence for Hong Kong, or even the protection of its existing freedoms. Now the government in Beijing has made use of its powers to rid itself of troublesome “unpatriotic” local politicians. In response, the remaining independent members of LegCo have quit.  

Through it all, Britain has protested and protested and protested again – to little avail. In his latest intervention, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, has also threatened so-called Magnitsky sanctions, of the kind targeted at Russian billionaires in London against prominent Chinese figures with British interests. He has called in the Chinese ambassador for a now-routine and futile dressing down.