The Forbidden City in Beijing will have its branch in Hong Kong but the latter would have much appreciated it if China has given them a heads up rather than "forcing" Hong Kong to accept the building of this museum. Dozens of people in Hong Kong have staged a protest against the proposed building.
According to the BBC, Lee Cheuk-yan, an ex-member of the Legislative Council said it seemed like China forced Hong Kong to accept the Museum. "If you do it in a proper way, well, Hong Kong people appreciate museums. We appreciate art," he said.
"But this time, there was no consultation at all. It seems to be a dictation from China, ordering Hong Kong that we should accept this museum without any proper consultation." Critics also expressed their anger saying that the museum is cultural brainwashing to Hong Kong.
Chairman of the League of Social Democrats, Avery Ng, said, "It's not simply brainwashing -- it is cultural whitewashing by introducing more Chinese history and culture that is perceived to be positive." She continued to say that China's move to build another Forbidden City disregards Hong Kong's story.
Soon to be dubbed as the Hong Kong Palace Museum, it is slated to open in 2022 in West Kowloon Cultural District - a premiere arts hub of the country - with a $450 million grant. China will loan most of its artifacts in a long-term contract with Hong Kong.
While it is seen as a boost in the tourism culture of Hong Kong, many felt that it was simply a political move. Hong Kong's deputy leader Carrie Lam is currently the chairman of the cultural district authority's board and is expected of her to run for city leader in March.
Without China's approval, critics say she has little chance of winning the election. "I know that today's society is full of mistrust, but for this issue, we really do not have any selfish motives and private interests," Lam said.
