OpinionHong Kong must keep its unique edge even as it enjoys deeper mainland ties

As mainland officials manage Hong Kong affairs through the ‘one of us’ lens, it should not affect the city’s role as a superconnector

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Published: 9:30am, 6 Apr 2026

In China’s political parlance, calling someone “one of us” is far more than an expression of ideological kinship. It signals that more doors can be opened, and preferential treatment extended. Yet it can also imply that “one of us” should now follow the rules of the group – rules that may differ sharply from previous ones.

For decades, this mentality has shaped domestic policy. The private sector contributes over 60 per cent of the country’s GDP and over 80 per cent of urban employment but has largely been treated as a second-class citizen compared with the state sector, which enjoys better policy support and cheaper loans. Only in the past few years has China’s leadership, looking to revive confidence, started to call the private sector “one of us”.

Now, as Beijing repeatedly urges Hong Kong to further integrate into national development, mainland officials are increasingly managing Hong Kong affairs through the “one of us” lens.

The result is a double-edged sword: genuine benefits for residents and businesses, especially in the Greater Bay Area, alongside growing anxiety that the city’s distinct DNA and rule-of-law safeguards are being diluted. It also raises a very important question over whether Hong Kong should be given more freedom to play up its strength as the unique linkage between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world.

The busy flow of people through Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau and other crossings is a daily testament to this integration. According to Hong Kong government data, nearly 600,000 Hong Kong residents stayed in Guangdong for more than six months in 2025.

Equipped with mainland residence and travel permits, Hongkongers enjoy comprehensive rights on the mainland, covering employment, housing and daily life. Sometimes, they enjoy more benefits than in Hong Kong. For instance, those aged 60 and above enjoy free rides on the Shenzhen subway whereas they still have to pay HK$2 per ride back at home. This is the upside of being treated as “one of us”.

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}As mainland officials manage Hong Kong affairs through the ‘one of us’ lens, it should not affect the city’s role as a superconnector

As mainland officials manage Hong Kong affairs through the ‘one of us’ lens, it should not affect the city’s role as a superconnector