LettersProtest-riven Hong Kong must style itself on the lines of Singapore to prosper as part of China

The continuing chaos created by anti-government protesters in Hong Kong – apparently encouraged by some Western politicians who have made high-profile controversial statements and also segments of the Western media – must be quickly stopped, ideally by the Hong Kong government and police force.

Chaos in Hong Kong is not only bad for the territory’s economy and tourism, but disadvantageous for the prosperity of East Asia since Hong Kong is still an important finance and trade centre for our region. Like in other countries, such as the Bangkok protests a few years ago or the “yellow vest” protests in France, the police must decisively move in to restore order, but ideally without bloodshed. The Hong Kong government should declare a state of emergency.

I urge the people of Hong Kong to wisely adjust to the reality that the whole world has already accepted – Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China, where social stability and political discipline over the past 40 years have made possible tremendous economic progress.

An autonomous Hong Kong needs a helpful China for its long-term viability and prosperity. Hong Kong should adapt to being an autonomous part of China by becoming a Singapore-style society which upholds political consensus, meritocracy, its unique tradition of rule of law, and a dynamic, market-driven, innovative, globally-competitive economy.

Hong Kong in the past prospered due to its efficiency as an apolitical trade, finance, services and logistics hub of China. This symbiotic and win-win situation can still be its optimistic future if it can adjust to new realities and not become negatively perceived by China or international investors as a hotbed of toxic politics, instability and social chaos.