If Hong Kong is truly the Pearl of the Orient it should support Taiwan's Charter for Permanent Peace to inspire the people of China to call for democracy and rule of law. Article 39 of the Hong Kong Basic Law states that the right to self-determination is covered in the two international human rights conventions. The people of Hong Kong cannot afford to take their rights for granted( where does it mention referendum?). See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development for details. §3.4.5 §4.7.1 §7.10 §8.4