The key to protecting Hong Kong’s autonomy is good government
- The sensible new direction for the city’s virus fight since the arrival of mainland experts highlights the kind of cooperation that bodes well for the future
The idea that Hong Kong enjoys a high level of control over its own affairs has taken a battering with the city lurching from one crisis to another in recent years. Beijing has stepped in to impose a national security law and a political system where only “patriots” govern Hong Kong. Now, it is driving efforts to combat Covid-19. There is a perception the central government calls the shots, rather than local officials.
But the principle that Hong Kong enjoys a high level of autonomy lies at the heart of arrangements put in place for the city’s return to China almost 25 years ago.
Last week, top Beijing official Xia Baolong said the central government’s tackling of Covid-19 would not undermine the concept. The city would continue to be governed under the “one country, two systems” arrangement and maintain its common law system and independent judiciary beyond 2047, he added.
This is significant. China’s guarantee that Hong Kong’s way of life will remain unchanged ends that year. There is uncertainty about what will happen. Xia’s comments offer some reassurance.
‘Dynamic zero’ is about saving lives, Hong Kong’s mass testing cannot be slipshod: expert
But much will depend on the form that one country, two systems takes. Some will greet Xia’s assurance with scepticism. Hong Kong’s way of life has changed dramatically in recent years due to the civil unrest in 2019, Beijing’s tough response to it and the impact of the pandemic.
The city’s “high degree of autonomy” from Beijing is not clearly defined and, in practice, can change over time.
When returning to China in 1997, the city had control over future reforms to the system for electing legislators. This changed in 2004 when Beijing took legal steps to ensure its approval was secured first.
Hong Kong is also required to pass national security legislation, but is permitted to do so “on its own”. This was long seen as a key element of its autonomy. But Hong Kong’s failure to pass such laws led Beijing to step in and enact a security law itself in 2020.
Now, the central government is closely involved in handling the city’s Covid-19 outbreak. Mainland experts have been dispatched to the city, including top epidemiologist Liang Wannian.
There were fears this would swiftly lead to draconian mainland-style measures including compulsory universal testing and a lockdown. Instead, the presence of mainland experts appears to have led to a clearer focus. There is even some common sense being shown.
A policy shift last week saw the dreaded universal testing delayed and new priorities established. The emphasis is now on ensuring timely treatment for those who most need it. The biggest problem has been a failure to get elderly people vaccinated. Now, at last, a more determined effort is under way.
These sensible initiatives are in line with the publicly stated views of mainland expert Liang. But few will care about any implications for Hong Kong’s autonomy if the strategy works.
Top Beijing official says Hong Kong’s autonomy won’t be undermined
The new direction followed discussion between the two sides and an assessment of the situation on the ground. Such cooperation bodes well for the future. The mainland experts appear to have taken on board Hong Kong’s special circumstances.
Beijing has been careful to stress that while it offers support and advice, the responsibility for tackling the outbreak lies with Hong Kong. This is to show respect for the city’s autonomy, although local officials may feel they have to take the advice they are given.
Hong Kong people should keep faith with the city’s high degree of autonomy, even if frustrated by the government’s performance and interventions by Beijing. It is integral to the city’s different system, including its freedoms, international outlook and rule of law.
The central government may have more confidence in the principle now that “patriots” are governing Hong Kong. But those “patriots” must deliver. The best way to protect the city’s autonomy is for it to be governed well and not to become a problem.
