Hong Kong does have a future
Conversation can triumph over conflict, calm can be restored, and trust can be rebuilt within the community
Does Hong Kong have a future? It’s not the first time such a question has been asked. But the question is being asked more and more often as the city faces a 17th week of social unrest.
The future certainly is on the minds of the hundreds of thousands of protesters who have taken to the streets over the past four months. The future is an issue that occupies much of my time, too. And it will be the question we, in Hong Kong, will discuss together on Thursday evening in the first of many community dialogues to air the public’s grievances and identify the issues this society faces. Issues reflected in those dialogues will be studied and translated into concrete actions — into building a future together. Some solutions will also be found in my upcoming annual Policy Address, which will set out bold initiatives to tackle deep-seated problems, such as access to affordable housing.
Hong Kong has faced — and overcome — momentous challenges every decade since the end of the Second World War. This summer’s unrest is another transformative process — if a painful and, at times, depressingly violent one. I reject the use of violence to achieve any political, economic or social outcomes. The radical actions of some rioters cannot dictate how to steer Hong Kong through its current difficulties.
Deep wounds
Both the community dialogues and my Policy Address are part of a necessary reconciliation process. Deep wounds have been opened in our society. These will take time to heal. To help create the atmosphere necessary for the community dialogues, I announced earlier this month the formal withdrawal of the bill to amend the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, the so-called extradition bill. The amendments, which were designed to address the shortcomings of existing mechanisms for the surrender of fugitive criminals, were the catalyst for the protests.
Peaceful protest has been a hallmark of Hong Kong society for decades, and it will remain so. The police have long facilitated such gatherings, which are 10 times more frequent now than in 1997. The police must carefully weigh the people’s right to protest against the risks of violent disruption to public order.
I believe that the rule of law, upheld by an independent judiciary, is a bedrock of Hong Kong life; it can never be compromised. But violent protests and wanton vandalism must stop. This is one reason that this administration cannot accede to some protesters’ demand that all charges be dropped against those who have been arrested. Doing so would run counter to the rule of law.
Freedom of the press and freedom of information have also come into focus lately. The city is a free and open economy and a global financial centre, and the government understands that unfettered access to information is a prerequisite for the integrity and viability of its market.
‘One Country, Two Systems’ SCAN ME
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And then, any discussion about Hong Kong’s future needs to consider the ongoing implementation of the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle. The rule of law, freedom of expression, a free press — all are part and parcel of how this principle works in practice. Hong Kong’s business community has made it clear that the successful implementation of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ is the make-or-break condition of the city’s continued prosperity as a global hub for trade, finance, business, logistics and our arts and culture. No doubt, this summer’s protests have had an impact on the immediate future of Hong Kong’s economy, in particular its travel, hotel, retail and food-andbeverage sectors. People from all walks of life have been affected. The government is now working with those businesses to provide targeted measures to help alleviate some of their difficulties. And, as a small and highly open economy, Hong Kong will not escape the fallout of ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States. A recession is possible, if not likely, over the next year.
‘I am in listening mode’
But we have significant fiscal reserves to draw on for countercyclical stimulus if needed. For the time being, however, I am in listening mode for my first community dialogue session. No doubt, I will receive some harsh criticism. But I also hope to receive constructive suggestions to help this government meet the public’s expectations for a more inclusive and fairer Hong Kong.