Hong Kong must view Beijing as a partner, not enemy
Understanding the central government is tricky, but we must do it in order to succeed
Here's the million-dollar question - What's on the mind of Beijing regarding Hong Kong? When, in the eyes of the Chinese leaders, will our city outlive its usefulness not only as a model of economic success, but also as a demonstration of the validity of the "one country, two systems" concept?
By and large, Beijing has been on its best behaviour and refrains from interfering with Hong Kong's internal affairs. But will it eventually say "enough is enough" and shows the city its iron fist? In the grand scheme of things, just how important is this tiny territory to the central government?
Getting Beijing right is, of course, notoriously difficult, even for those who have dealt with it for decades. It may not be easy for Hong Kong people to understand what makes Beijing tick. But do we really have a choice? By now, Hongkongers should know that understanding Beijing is required for getting what they want.
This is exactly why we should be more concerned with how the decision makers in the capital define their interests. Two-time British prime minster Henry John Temple Viscount Lord Palmerston is credited with saying that countries have no permanent enemies or allies, only permanent interests, and it is the duty of a government to follow those interests.
The term the Chinese leaders have often used to express a similar concept is (core interests). Traditionally, this was understood to refer to Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang , critical sovereignty issues on which there is very little room for negotiation. With the recent enactment of the new, sweeping national security law, however, it is clear that Beijing has greatly broadened the meaning of the term. Now China's core interests lie not only in defending its sovereignty claims but also in developing its economy and maintaining the political system and social stability.
Hongkongers are in no position to challenge Beijing on how it defines its core interests. Instead, they should demonstrate how their goals, once achieved, can help safeguard and promote China's core interests.
Recently in the philanthropist and commentator George Soros urged the United States to engage China in a constructive partnership to avoid a possible world war. The stakes may not be so high for Hongkongers. But if they continue to see Beijing as an enemy, not a partner, I don't see how they can get what they want.
