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Hong Kong is Dying
In the crowded streets of Hong Kong, where towering skyscrapers pierce the sky, one in five Hong Kongers now live in poverty. A recent report by Oxfam, highlighted by American Military News, paints a grim picture of a city struggling with economic turmoil, political repression, and escalating living costs.
Since the beginning of 2024, over 1.39 million residents — accounting for 20% of the population — have fallen below the poverty line. This marks a 42.9% increase compared to the same period in 2019. The number of impoverished households has also surged by 22.7%, reaching 619,000. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real people struggling to make ends meet in one of the world’s most vibrant economies.
Defining Poverty in Hong Kong
The poverty line in Hong Kong varies based on household size:
- Single-person household: HK$5,000 (≈US$644) per month.
- Two-person household: HK$11,300 (≈US$1,455) per month.
- Four-person household: HK$25,200 (≈US$3,245) per month.
The poorest 10% of households earn more than 80 times less than the richest 10%. The median income for the poorest 10% has halved since 2019, now languishing at just HK$1,600 per month. This drastic decline underscores the widening income disparity and the deepening…
