Editorial | Apec decision was a pragmatic way out

Months ago, a big question mark was still hanging over whether Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu would be able to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco. With just a week to go, there is finally an answer. The Hong Kong leader will not be there because of “scheduling issues”. Instead, the finance chief will attend on his behalf. The outcome does little to quell speculation over the political manoeuvring behind it. But it is important that the city can continue to maintain its international links in accordance with the Basic Law.

Local officials broke the news in a statement “in response to media enquiries” on Tuesday evening, shortly before the White House confirmed a possible summit between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the side of the Apec meeting. The statement said Hong Kong, China had, according to convention, received the invitation from the host economy to attend the meeting; but the government had already replied that Lee could not attend due to “scheduling issues”.

Officially, Lee’s absence has nothing to do with the sanctions imposed by the US in the wake of his role over the political crisis in 2019 and the ensuing national security law. The outcome is seen by some as a way out to enable Hong Kong’s participation in the Apec meeting without escalating tensions that may otherwise spoil the preparation for the much-touted Xi-Biden summit. Given the delicate situation, the arrangement for Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po to go instead is a pragmatic way out.

Since 1991, Hong Kong has been attending Apec summits as a full member, alongside 20 countries. Its continuous presence before and after the handover is testament to its pivotal role as an international financial centre. It would have been a major setback if the city was unable to participate because of political reasons. Under the Basic Law and “one country, two systems”, the city may develop relations and participate in international organisations and conferences under the name “Hong Kong, China”. With reconnecting with the world now high on the government agenda, efforts must be made to ensure the city can maintain its status in the international community.