LettersHong Kong and China: one country, two systems, two mindsets

Recent protests have highlighted how hard it can be for Hongkongers and mainlanders to understand each other

Different reactions to police action and a ‘dead’ extradition bill show how far apart the ‘two systems’ are. It’s time to cast prejudices aside

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Protesters shout slogans at Yuen Long police station on July 22, accusing officers of colluding with gangsters, after commuters were attacked with sticks and metal rods at Yuen Long MTR station late on July 21. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 6:45am, 29 Jul 2019Updated: 6:45am, 29 Jul 2019

In a city roiled by protests, it’s disheartening to see the communication gap between mainland citizens and Hongkongers grow ever wider. Many on the mainland are unsure why Hongkongers have kept on fighting, since Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has suspended the extradition bill, while Hongkongers see mainlanders as politically insensitive and indifferent to democratic ideals. The difference lies in mindset, which influences political dynamics, with no judgment of right or wrong.

For most mainlanders in Hong Kong, this is the first time they have witnessed a city standing up for its future, which has both shocked and awakened their young minds, while making them feel more engaged and connected with Hongkongers.

Mainland people are hard-wired to avoid conflict. Violence may affect their safety, studies or career, which are their core values. Nobody wants incompetent governance, but a peaceful society counts above all.

On June 15, Lam suspended the extradition bill and she apologised a few days later. Hongkongers had saved Hong Kong. Honestly speaking, this goes against the mainland perception of power, which cannot bow to the people. Civil obedience and reverence for the party are part of mainstream education.

Although the word “dead”, which Lam used for the extradition bill, means nothing in law, it can inferred that it means “withdrawn”. China has a long tradition of implication rather than declaration in its public pronouncements: rulers hedge their excuses while people have a tacit understanding with each other.

The attitudes towards police are also divergent. In Hong Kong, it’s unforgivable if officers use violence towards innocent citizens, without higher command and justified reason. The police are trained to safeguard the people instead of repressing legitimate demonstrations.