Opinion | Amid historical tensions with Japan, Hong Kong must engage for the future
Remembering the pain of the Nanking massacre does not preclude engagement, but ensures lessons of the past strengthen our shared commitment to peace
Such occasions are solemn reminders of history’s darkest moments, forcing us to pause and reflect on the scale of the tragedy that unfolded after the city was seized on December 13, 1937, and the broader suffering inflicted on China during World War II. Government figures estimate that military and civilian casualties exceeded 35 million, with 21 million lives lost, leaving an enduring scar on the nation.
After the ceremony, I reflected on the enormity of the loss and the complex reality we navigate today. How do we acknowledge this painful history while living fully in the present? How do we honour the past without letting it become a barrier to our future?
These are not abstract questions. They confront many of us, not only as observers of history but also in our daily lives. While I mourn the tragedy, I also have many close Japanese friends and long-standing business partners. This duality is not a contradiction but a lived reality for many who grew up with Japanese everyday influences.
Previous generations, including my grandfathers’ and my father’s, understood reconciliation required courage. They recognised the importance of remembering the past but also knew the path forward lay in cooperation, not isolation. I try to continue that legacy.