If Hong Kong could exercise democratic self-governance under the sovereignty of China, it would not be necessary for us to take this step on the path toward independence.

The quote "If Hong Kong could exercise democratic self-governance under the sovereignty of China, it would not be necessary for us to take this step on the path toward independence." by Joshua Wong reflects his stance on the political situation in Hong Kong and the ongoing struggle for democracy and self-determination. Wong is implying that if Hong Kong had the freedom to govern itself democratically, without undue interference from the Chinese government, there would be no need for the city to seek independence. His statement speaks to the frustration felt by many Hong Kong residents regarding the erosion of their autonomy and their desire for a self-governed future.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Wong’s leadership role in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movements, particularly during the Umbrella Movement in 2014 and the 2019 protests against the Chinese government's increasing influence. As a prominent activist, Wong has advocated for the rights of Hong Kong people to self-govern and make decisions free from external control. His quote underscores the belief that Hong Kong's desire for independence stems from its lack of democratic freedoms under Chinese sovereignty, where civil liberties and political autonomy are seen as increasingly restricted.

Wong’s statement also reflects a broader argument for the right to self-determination in regions that feel oppressed or under the control of an external power. If democratic self-governance were allowed to flourish within the existing framework of Chinese sovereignty, many of the calls for independence would not arise. However, the lack of political freedoms and the centralization of power in Beijing has led many in Hong Kong to feel that true democracy and self-determination are unattainable without a radical change in governance.

This quote underscores the core tension between Hong Kong's desire for democratic autonomy and the sovereignty claims of China. Wong’s words convey the deep frustration of a people caught between a desire for freedom and the overwhelming power of the central government. His advocacy for independence is rooted in the belief that true self-governance cannot be achieved under the current political arrangements and that democracy is an essential part of the city’s future.