Beijing has tried hard not to interfere
He says youngsters from Hong Kong and Macau do not relate to the misconduct of mainlanders when visiting foreign countries. This is a result of stereotyping based on isolated incidents resulting from China having the world’s largest population, while also ignoring countless examples of misbehaviour by non-Chinese nationals. In fact, the central government is trying to promote civilised tourism, with a manual on what is acceptable behaviour when travelling abroad.
Mr Ieong also criticised Xi for visiting the PLA garrison in Hong Kong. While the city faces no imminent threat, it is a sign of respect to honour those who stand ready at all times to safeguard our livelihood.
Finally, Mr Ieong was also critical of Xi for failing to make conciliatory gestures towards the “opposition parties”. The Basic Law makes it clear that the central government should not intervene in local affairs, which are handled by the chief executive, who has no party affiliations. For the Legislative Council to operate efficiently, lawmakers should be working with the Hong Kong government, not against it.
Hong Kong’s astonishing development has been inextricably connected with the mainland, in particular its successful role connecting China to the West. And even though Hong Kong’s economy now only represents less than 3 per cent of the China’s gross domestic product, Beijing has consistently tried to help the city continue to play an important role. For example it has sought to include it in the “Belt and Road Initiative” and the Greater Bay Area developmet plan. These can help to boost Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial centre and a city where the rule of law is respected.