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HK handover 20th anniversary
Opinion

Are Hongkongers just a bunch of angry protesters, or do they want to see real change in society?

Nixie Lam says rather than stoking a climate of fear, local politicians should embrace the many opportunities afforded by being part of China, to help Hong Kong meet the practical challenges of land, labour, education and technological change

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Protesters march in Hong Kong on July 1 this year, the 20th anniversary of the city's handover from British to Chinese rule. Photo: AFP
Nixie Lam
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover. In that time, many would say Hong Kong has gone from being one of the brightest pearls of the Orient to a sour lemon with no direction. From then-chief executive Tung Chee-hwa’s resignation, citing “health” issues, to Donald Tsang Yam-kuen’s bribery trial and the warning clouds over the whole of Leung Chun-ying’s administration, many Hongkongers are angry and crave change.

So, is independence the way out? I’m afraid not; any responsible politician would have to say it is not practical. So what can we do? To begin with, we might try to understand China better. By that, I don’t mean singing the national anthem well when it is played or understanding the meaning of each of the stars on the national flag.

Beijing policy on Hong Kong remains the same after reshuffle

Rather, as residents of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region, we need to be more eager to understand China’s five-year plans, the rationale behind the “Belt and Road Initiative” and Greater Bay Area, and even how important the upcoming 19th Party Congress is.
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The metrics behind the “one country, two systems” policy of Chinese revolutionary and leader Deng Xiaoping involves Hong Kong keeping its uniqueness and not only witnessing but also enjoying inclusion in China’s economic reform, the greatest of this century.

How ‘one country, two systems’ works

The policies stipulated in the Basic Law that we are told will remain unchanged for 50 years were a preparation plan for China to catch up to Hong Kong’s already mature market economy by using “socialism with Chinese characteristics”, and the approach of “seeking truth from facts”. It has worked.
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