2024 RT Amination Banner.gif

China Daily

HongKong> Opinion> Content
Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 00:53
Zheng’s appointment signals new era for HK’s development
By Regina Ip
Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 00:53 By Regina Ip

For the first time since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, a native of Guangdong, Zheng Yanxiong, was appointed to head up the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong.

Zheng’s previous incarnation as director of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong led many to surmise that Zheng would take a hard line in overseeing implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle. Yet, on taking over, Zheng surprised many by the mild words and soft tone he used in explaining his mission as the new head.

Speaking to the media on his first working day. Zheng stressed his role in enhancing two-way communication between Beijing and Hong Kong. He said he would use more “Beijing hua (meaning Beijing language) while in Hong Kong, and vice versa while in Beijing. He saw one of his key tasks as better representing the aspirations of Hong Kong people. Zheng explained his role in simple words which are readily comprehensible.

Zheng’s remarks did leave some important clues about the rationale for his appointment — “the decision was made by the central government based on actual needs”, Zheng said. The appointment of a senior official with long experience of working in Guangdong, keen understanding of Hong Kong and a strong national security background indicates that national security remains the prime concern of the central government, notwithstanding that the situation in Hong Kong has stabilized since implementation of the national security law and reform of Hong Kong’s political system to ensure that only patriots can hold key governance positions. 

As director of the liaison office, Zheng’s responsibilities de rigueur have to go beyond security. Marking the successful restoration of law and order and stability in Hong Kong, Zheng put the theme “Unleashing the Driving Force of Prosperity” front and center of his Spring Festival address delivered on Jan 15. All three pieces of advice for Hong Kong in his speech were focused on Hong Kong’s core advantages at a pivotal time in China’s historic journey toward national renaissance. 

Zheng spoke in a self-deprecating manner, but his determination to help Hong Kong people achieve greater prosperity and, in the process, make greater contribution to the country is self-evident. Zheng is expected to work well with Lee to propel Hong Kong to the next stage of development. A promising beginning for the propitious Year of the Rabbit

The first advantage is the tremendous driving force for Hong Kong’s economic recovery afforded by the Chinese mainland’s gigantic consumer market, its inexhaustible drive toward innovation, and fine-tuning of its anti-pandemic polices, which are slated to contribute significantly to global growth in the coming year.

The “one country, two systems” principle is another key Hong Kong advantage. Under this arrangement, Hong Kong can take part actively in international exchange and cooperation. “Backed by the country, linked to the world” remains Hong Kong’s unique advantage. Hong Kong’s open but well-regulated markets, its common law system, strong international connections, confluence of Asian and Western cultures and abundance of international investors form the bedrock of Hong Kong as a global metropolis and business hub. The central government fully supports strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international financial, shipping and trading center, and development of Hong Kong into an international innovation and technology hotbed, as well as cultural hub. The onus falls squarely on Hong Kong to strengthen its comparative advantage, and contribute to national development by matching national needs with Hong Kong’s unique capabilities.

The final advice is that, to ensure that the driving force of prosperity becomes more powerful, we need to work together to focus on achieving our objectives. Zheng praised Hong Kong compatriots for their strong “rags-to-riches” fighting spirit, plurality of ideas and acceptance of diversity in unity. Two years after the commencement of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and one year after the refinement of the electoral system, it is undeniable that governance has improved; order, efficiency and dignity have returned to the legislature; and Hong Kong has managed to extricate itself from the maelstrom of runaway politicization. Hong Kong is poised to return to a path of strong growth and prosperity.

In common with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who shares a similar security background and a practical, down-to-earth style, Zheng has displayed remarkable humility in his public remarks thus far. He said to the media “my ability is limited, but my commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted by the central government and to serving Hong Kong is unlimited”. Zheng spoke in a self-deprecating manner, but his determination to help Hong Kong people achieve greater prosperity and, in the process, make greater contribution to the country is self-evident. Zheng is expected to work well with Lee to propel Hong Kong to the next stage of development. A promising beginning for the propitious Year of the Rabbit.

The author is convener of the Executive Council and a legislator.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. 

Share this story

Also Read