Power corrupts people's attachment to reality. Given China's treatment of the people in its own country, and Hong Kong, which it promised to allow home rule, anybody who would believe they would not oppress Taiwan the same way would be living in la-la land.

China has to steal western science, and is so intent on keeping Hong Kong and claiming Taiwan because it's oppressive government squashes people's spirits and makes progress hard. If oppressors like Russia and China take over the world, they will be harming themselves because they would lose the innovative capabilities of free people.

https://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-rejects-hong-kong-model-for-unity-with-china/a-51849748

Jan. 1, 2020

The Hong Kong model of "one country, two systems," would not work for Taiwan, President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday.

China had proffered the political formula as a way towards unity between the two countries. However, Tsai said the arrangement had failed in Hong Kong and would not work in democratic Taiwan.

Tsai vowed to defend the island nation's sovereignty during her New Year's speech ahead of a January 11 re-election bid. She promised to develop safeguards against increasing Chinese pressure.
"Hong Kong people showed us that 'one country, two systems' is definitely not feasible," Tsai said.

"Under 'one country, two systems', the situation continues to deteriorate in Hong Kong. The credibility of 'one country, two systems' has been sullied by the government's abuse of power."

"Democracy and authoritarianism ... cannot co-exist in the same country," Tsai added.

•••••