Opportunities must be seized in new era for Hong Kong development
- As the city marks National Security Education Day, it hears it has to remain vigilant to internal and external threats, and strive for better economic and social achievements
Monday marked the 10th anniversary of the unveiling by President Xi Jinping of a holistic approach to protect the country’s safety. It was also the first National Security Education Day since Hong Kong finally passed a home-grown national security law. The city has come a long way to reach this turning point for better development. In addition to defending “one country” and staying vigilant to external and internal threats, it must strive to adapt and innovate for better economic and social achievements under “two systems”.
The new direction came as Xia Baolong, director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, shed light on the way forward in a video address marking the occasion. Noting the passage of the Article 23 legislation as opening up “a new era to go all out for the economy”, the top official urged Hong Kong to maximise the dividends of the “one country, two systems” formula and to fully unleash its advantages. There would also be more support for the city.
The remarks are especially relevant as new opportunities arise. As “one country” has been fortified, it will, hopefully, create more room for development under the “two systems”. This includes sharpening our existing edges and further polishing the city’s “golden brand”, while seeking and embracing changes.
“We cannot use the old mindset from yesterday to solve today’s new problems. We need to use new mindsets, new solutions and dare to say words that have not been said by predecessors,” Xia said.
Beijing call for ‘new mindset’ in Hong Kong puts burden on city leaders: experts
Describing the Article 23 legislation and the Beijing-imposed national security law as “dual law, dual mechanism”, Beijing’s liaison office chief Zheng Yanxiong said the double protection would need to be further strengthened by a lot of work.
Dong Jingwei, head of the central government’s Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong, also said preserving national security would be a constant work in progress and there would be no end to such efforts. That means the city government must remain vigilant to potential threats amid rising geopolitical tensions and the changing global environment.
Beijing’s assessment of the city’s future remains upbeat, thanks to its belief that the Chinese economy is in good shape. Now that the “sophisticated security system” is in place, it is to be hoped there will be more room for developing our strengths under the “two systems”.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu yesterday pledged to create a more favourable business environment to attract talent and companies, while also staging more mega events and pursuing high-quality development. The onus is now on the government to seize the momentum for better development and prove that Hong Kong will remain a great place in which to do business and live.
