New liaison office chief can take Hong Kong forward by reaching out to all
- Zheng Yanxiong can also restore confidence by capitalising on the ‘one country, two systems’ model, and enhancing communications between the global financial centre and Beijing
The appointment of a new Beijing envoy in Hong Kong presents a good opportunity to take stock of the city’s progress and development under “one country, two systems”.
When the central government’s liaison office last changed leadership three years ago, the city was grappling with a double whammy of lingering social unrest and an escalating public health crisis.
Today, the city is hailed as one moving from order to prosperity, with political stability largely restored and the Covid-19 epidemic gradually receding.
While it may be in a better shape now, it is seen by some as a place no longer the same as before. As we move forward, the need to restore confidence and capitalise on the advantages of the governance model has never been greater.
Zheng Yanxiong has relatively good knowledge and experience in local affairs. The Guangdong-born cadre was former director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security here.
In his first media session as liaison office director yesterday, Zheng expressed affection for Hong Kong and vowed to do his best for the city.