Reinforcing trust in HK’s future

Assurance on ‘one country, two systems’ should lay to rest questions on SAR’s prospects post-2047

It seems that

The recent announcement that the “one country, two systems” constitutional approach for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue beyond the original 50-year period has probably come as a surprise to many but not to me.

As a keen observer of geopolitics, I had anticipated that this might be in the cards. The announcement makes perfect sense and dovetails with what some more-observant sinologists said: “The Americans plan ahead of the next election cycle; whereas the Chinese plan in century terms.”

Indeed, even as a principle, “one county, two systems” embodies a novel, pragmatic and stable path. Any other colonized territory would probably have played hardball and perhaps gone “all in” from the inevitable moment of handover. This was not the case for Hong Kong in the negotiated outcome, and is almost unprecedented in modern history.

Many countries often exhibited short-termism. But China excels in long-term strategy, and despite regular Five-Year Plans, a longer-term vision and approach for the country is always still evident.

It seems that “patience, prudence and pragmatism” are a key part of the embodiment of China, and that these are the three things that speak volumes about intent and action going forward, as is clearly the case here for Hong Kong SAR. Peace, harmony and social stability are at the heart of this.

Cultural anchors combined with a flexible approach have enabled China to emerge as a powerful nation it has always had the potential to become. It is the unique combination of Eastern and Western thinking and pragmatic seizing of opportunity that has led to a landscape where we now see dim-sum restaurants next to Starbucks, and Gucci next to Shanghai Tang, in modern cities across China.

It is a China that boasts top international companies while simultaneously creating its own iconic brands. A China that has opened up to hosting global talent, while at the same time sending some of its best and brightest overseas to the great universities and enterprises in the West. It is here where friendships, cultural exchanges and diverse opinions can build and foster trust for the better future of us all.

This is what is sorely needed here — trust. Trust from the people of Hong Kong in the Chinese mainland’s intent toward the SAR. An intent that is actually full of opportunity, as a key and integral part of the exciting and prosperous GuangdongHong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

An intent that is inherently generous (one only has to see the amazing support coming in every day from the Chinese mainland to help Hong Kong overcome its current COVID wave) and perhaps surprising to many. Only with trust can suspicions and fears, that have had too much traction of late, be replaced with hope and positive expectations.

To achieve this, it is not so much fine words that matter but deeds. This is what will matter to the people of Hong Kong and why this announcement is so important. It is the promise of the future with no time limit.

Today, Hong Kong is only halfway through to completing 50 years of its return to Chinese sovereignty — the territory’s 25th handover anniversary comes up in July — and yet the 2047 date has been playing heavily on the minds of many in the HKSAR. It is being weaponized by some to sow dismay, discord and discontent. Only 25 years to go seems too close for comfort for some citizens, who worry about their unique way of life being snuffed out.

Now, this new announcement has the potential to address such issues head-on and give the Hong-Kong people the confidence and security they crave to plan long-term. It will deliver trust that the Basic Law will be upheld rigorously and that their way of life, traditions and status will be protected robustly under law.

This is likely to result in a tectonic shift in mainstream thinking as the rug gets pulled out from under the feet of those who put forth negative arguments of a purported encroaching future that is seen as unwelcome and threatening.

Hong Kong is the most amazing city I have ever had the good fortune to live in. The people are industrious, ambitious, global and connected but also recently worried and concerned about their future.

This one “new” thing — an indefinite continuation of the “two systems under one country” paradigm beyond 2047 — can now provide confidence about this future. Sure, there have been teething problems and concerns about the National Security Law for Hong Kong, but perhaps more in relation to its implementation than its intent. I believe the law is there to provide protection, certainty, stability and security after the recent social unrest, and to preserve the very way of life that so many hold dear, without unfettered control of undue, malign external influences.

Nothing in this world is ever perfect, but with proper intent demonstrated, real trust can be built through unwavering adherence to and protection of the Basic Law — our “mini-constitution”. Only then can the 2047 date be seen not as a threat, not something to be feared, but just as another year of progress in Hong Kong as a unique global city. A city that is strong, outward-looking and confident. A Hong Kong built on trust in the rule of law and our abilities and security under enduring respect for the two systems operating under one sovereign nation.

“patience,

prudence and

pragmatism” are

a key part of the

embodiment of

China, and that

these are the three

things that speak

volumes about

intent and action

going forward, as

is clearly the case

here for Hong Kong

SAR.