Tensions
The initial demonstrations and riots were labour disputes that began as early as March 1967 in shipping, taxi, textile, cement companies and the Hong Kong Artificial Flower Works. These companies had a substantial number of pro-communist leftists. The unions that took up the cause were all members of HK Federation of Trade Unions with strong ties to Beijing.
The political climate was tense in Hong Kong in the spring of 1967. To the north of the British colony's border, the PRC was in turmoil. Red Guards carried out purges and engaged in infighting, while riots sponsored by pro-Communist leftists erupted in the Portuguese colony of Macau, to the west of Hong Kong, in December 1966. Despite the intervention of the Portuguese army, order was not restored to Macau; and after a general strike in January 1967, the Portuguese government agreed to meet many of the leftist demands, placing the colony under the de facto control of the PRC. The tension in Hong Kong was heightened by the ongoing Cultural Revolution to the north. Up to 188 protests were held.
Read more about this topic: Hong Kong 1967 Leftist Riots
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