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Hong Kong protests
OpinionComment
Fred Hu
Fred Hu

Opinion | To make Hong Kong safe again, both sides must turn to pragmatic compromise

  • Only constructive negotiations with both sides’ best interests at heart will end the uncertainty and secure a better future for Hong Kong
  • Further destructive protests will only strengthen Beijing’s resolve to impose the national security law on its terms without regard for citizens’ fears

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Protesters gesture with five fingers, signifying “five demands, not one less”, in a shopping centre during a protest on June 1 against China's national security legislation for Hong Kong. Photo: AP
Fred Hu

Beijing’s move to introduce a national security law for Hong Kong has sparked fresh upheaval and ominous threats from Washington, which has declared Hong Kong insufficiently autonomous from China. To many, the doomsday scenario for Hong Kong is near: highly mobile capital and human talent flee the city, Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre quickly declines and China’s global standing suffers irreparable damage.

The rapidly deteriorating situation is a cause for alarm. To get out of the downward spiral, Hong Kong must end the politics of reckless confrontation and seek pragmatic accommodation with Beijing and reconciliation within the city.

First, Hong Kong must recognise Beijing’s sovereign right on matters of national security. This is defined in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, in the Basic Law and in the “one country, two systems” governance framework. It is therefore unwise and futile to try to thwart the introduction of the national security law.

Many countries have national security laws, and some are quite draconian. It is fearmongering to claim such a law will automatically end Hong Kong’s status as an international financial and business hub. Neither New York nor London is exempt from following American or British national security laws.

The right goal for Hong Kong and Beijing is to introduce a sensible law that preserves Hong Kong’s unique status under one country, two systems.

Until now, Beijing had not imposed a national security law but delegated to Hong Kong’s legislature under Article 23 of the Basic Law to introduce such a bill on its own. Unfortunately, opposition lawmakers halted the draft bill in 2003 and Hong Kong has become so polarised since that it has never tried again.
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