Speakers
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Prof. Anthony B. L. CHEUNG, GBS, JP Research Chair Professor of Public Administration, APS, EdUHK Adjunct Professor, PPOL, HKUST Former Secretary for Transport and Housing, HKSARG |
Prof. Tai-lok LUI, JP Chair Professor of Hong Kong Studies, APS, EdUHK Director, the Academy of Hong Kong Studies and the Centre for Greater China Studies, EdUHK |
Dr Henry Kin-chung HO Founder and Chairman, One Country Two Systems Youth Forum, Council Member of Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies |
2020 was a watershed year in Hong Kong SAR’s development under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. Reacting to political disorder and social unrest, the Chinese central government promulgated a national security law and a new electoral system in Hong Kong to guarantee that the city is governed by ‘patriots’. On 6 November 2021, instead of being purely optimistic or pessimistic, Prof. CHEUNG, Prof. LUI, and Dr. HO provided objective analysis of the political challenges facing Hong Kong as well as pragmatic solutions.
Prof. CHEUNG expects that, in the new political environment, Hong Kong’s development will inevitably be shaped by China’s evolving reality, but the city’s development is not totally pre-determined. Unique characteristics could be either a benefit or a threat to the nation; the key is whether the city understands what it can do and should do to maintain vibrancy and resilience. He explained that Hong Kong should rely more heavily on China’s global advantage than on “internal circulation” to sustain its global status. Moreover, Hong Kong should make an effort to assert its voice and presence within the nation.
Prof. LUI remarked that assuming “One Country, Two Systems” accomplished its mission in 1997 was a mistaken approach. It needs adaptation to both the changing local socio-economic environment and international politics. Institutional gaps, e.g., in national security and the pace of democratization, should be fixed. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and deal with the “parameters” of the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Moreover, it is essential for the SAR to prove that Hong Kong as a global city remains valuable to China as such and that this status is compatible with national security concerns.
Dr. HO first indicated that some principles underlying “One Country, Two Systems” are misunderstood. For example, the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong are key goals of “One Country, Two Systems” only if they support China's sovereignty, safety, and development interests. Second, he commented that political integration between Hong Kong and China lagged behind economic integration. Furthermore, political integration needs the participation of government officials and citizens. Third, he concluded that under “One Country, Two Systems”, the best scenario is that Hong Kong’s system remains different from yet beneficial to China.
In the policy dialogue, speakers agreed that “One Country, Two Systems” will remain important for the future development of Hong Kong. Nevertheless, they also pointed out that promoting mutual understanding, trust, and benefit will be challenging. Whether the city can overcome these challenges remains to be seen.
(From left): Prof. Tai-lok LUI, Prof. Anthony Bing-leung CHEUNG, Dr. Henry Kin-chung HO
2020 was a watershed year in Hong Kong SAR’s development under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle. Reacting to political disorder and social unrest, the Chinese central government promulgated a national security law and a new electoral system in Hong Kong to guarantee that the city is governed by ‘patriots’. On 6 November 2021, instead of being purely optimistic or pessimistic, Prof. CHEUNG, Prof. LUI, and Dr. HO provided objective analysis of the political challenges facing Hong Kong as well as pragmatic solutions.