Editorial | Xia visit to Hong Kong opens new chapter under ‘one country, two systems’
- Beijing’s point man has felt the public pulse of Hong Kong and says its future lies in economic development, not politics
Hong Kong is left with much soul-searching after Beijing’s top envoy concluded his landmark visit. His firm beliefs in the city – covering governance, patriotism, national security, rule of law, prosperity, stability and youth commitment – underlined Beijing’s confidence and expectations as we turn over a new chapter under the city’s governing principle of “one country, two systems”.
The visit by Xia Baolong, director of the newly revamped Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, is opportune. With the pandemic and political tensions stabilising further, it is a good time for the top official to come and feel the public pulse and show the way forward.
The circumstances of the trip and the one by former office director Wang Guangya some 12 years ago are vastly different. The national security law and the electoral reform imposed in the wake of the 2019 social unrest have redefined the political order.
The city is also striving to reboot the economy after three years of Covid-19. Over the past six days, Xia has reached out to almost all sectors, such as the executive, legislature, judiciary, businesses, workers, schools and universities.
He also checked out the progress of some development projects. The all-encompassing trip is in line with the state’s principle of tackling issues through on-site investigations and studies.
It remains to be seen whether the fact-finding mission may lead to more practical policies and measures on Hong Kong affairs. But the message is clear.