Key principle for city remains after Beijing changes top envoy
- With the arrival of Luo Huining, it is important that order and stability return and Hong Kong continues to enjoy its freedoms and high degree of autonomy under “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law
Amid months of raging civil unrest and growing emphasis on its full jurisdiction over Hong Kong, Beijing’s decision to replace its top envoy to the city has aroused widespread concern. Whoever heads the liaison office, the principle is the same though. It is important that order and stability return and the city continues to enjoy its freedoms and high degree of autonomy under the framework of “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law.
China’s new top official in Hong Kong hopes city can get ‘back on track’
The new director showed his style in his first appearance before local media yesterday. Describing the situation over the past seven months as worrying, he hoped the city could get back on track. He clenched his fist in a gesture of confidence and said: “We believe with the efforts of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the government and various sectors in society, the constitution and Basic Law can be fully implemented. They must ensure one country, two systems will be implemented steadily in the long term, and ensure Hong Kong maintains its prosperity and stability. I’m confident in this.”
Unlike his predecessors who were primarily technocrats with previous links to Hong Kong, Luo, 65, is the first provincial party leader to head the office. Having reached the official retirement age, the former head of Shanxi province was last month named deputy director of the financial and economic affairs committee of the National People’s Congress – a position usually reserved for retired officials who have performed well.
Luo yesterday said he was no stranger to Hong Kong, having met Lam as head of a delegation in 2018. Hislimited experience in local affairs could prove an advantage when dealing with vested interests. However, the veteran cadre may be seasoned in tackling a wide range of mainland affairs, but our unique systems and way of life make the approach he is familiar with inapplicable. There have been worries that the embattled Lam government may be weakened further and the city’s autonomy compromised. This need not be the case when both sides adhere to their roles and functions under the Basic Law. Beijing and Hong Kong share the common goal of making one country, two systems a success.
