The past few years witnessed the most significant transformation in Hong Kong’s political landscape since its reunification with the motherland. The enactment of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the revamp of the city’s electoral system are the enablers of a renewed political ecosystem that ensures national security and eradicates noxious political activism. Although the new landscape bodes well for Hong Kong’s future development, there are understandably some concerns about its role and development prospect in the wake of the political shake-up. In this regard, Premier Li Keqiang’s remarks in his recent government work report on Hong Kong provide us some ideas on the role and outlook of Hong Kong.
In an apparent response to doomsayers’ neurotic claim about the end of “one country, two systems”, Li reiterated the need for “steadfast and faithful implementation of ‘one country, two systems’, ‘Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong’ and a high degree of autonomy”. This unflinching commitment is not unfamiliar to those who keep themselves informed about national and Hong Kong affairs. Maintaining consistency and sustainability is one of the key features of China’s governance model. “One country, two systems” is a strategic national policy of China; it simply cannot change easily. The swift, favorable reversal of the political climate of Hong Kong over the past two years, moreover, vindicates the tenacity of “one country, two systems”, which, with the staunch backing of the central government, eventually weathered the worst political storm in Hong Kong’s history. The success was a shot in the arm for the central government to hold on to its belief in a fully applicable, achievable and popular policy framework for Hong Kong, which is “one country, two systems”.
As long as we pull together to overcome difficulties, a promising future will surely be in store for Hong Kong and its people
Concerns about Hong Kong’s future role are also misplaced because the city’s advantages mostly remain unchanged. But Hong Kong’s unique advantages won’t stand without its role in national development. As time progresses, it is increasingly evident that Hong Kong’s distinctive strengths, such as the common law legal system, capitalist economic model, international affiliations, etc, afford Hong Kong a new role in national development. China’s national plan, which attaches importance to Hong Kong’s competitiveness and advantages, has reserved opportunities for the city to expand its role. Li indicated that Hong Kong would have the strong backing of the central government in better integrating with national development and getting a fair share of the exponential growth of China in the new era, which will certainly help Hong Kong expand its role. Now that “one country, two systems” is back on track, Hong Kong is ready and set to serve its new and expanded role in national development.
The question now is: What should Hong Kong do to ensure a promising future? Hong Kong is gifted with favorable conditions to scale new heights, but achieving a breakthrough will hinge on a fundamental change in Hong Kong people’s mentality. They should bear in mind they are part of the country, regard the country’s development as their own cause, and devote themselves to it. Furthermore, Hong Kong must have the determination to push for social reforms. As the city has triumphed over perilous political threats, there is no better time than now for the special administrative region government to undertake bold reforms targeting the city’s entrenched social and livelihood issues. It is not an easy task but requires the input and support from all walks of life. Verity has it that achieving good governance depends not only on the governing team, but also on the collective efforts of the community. As long as we pull together to overcome difficulties, a promising future will surely be in store for Hong Kong and its people.
The author is senior research officer of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.