Priscilla Leung says Hong Kong must understand its role in supporting national development while maintaining its unique strengths

The Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Qiang on Thursday offers a clear message: The country is determined to advance sustainable development, uphold global responsibility and pursue long-term stability amid an increasingly uncertain international environment. The report reflects a strong commitment to ecological protection and building an “ecological civilization”, demonstrating the central government’s resolve to place environmental sustainability at the heart of national development.

One of the most notable aspects of the report is its emphasis on strengthening environmental governance through the rule of law. The government has made it clear that ecological protection will be supported by robust legal and institutional frameworks, ensuring that environmental policies are not merely aspirational but enforceable. This approach highlights China’s determination to build a comprehensive system that integrates legislation, governance and public participation in environmental protection.

This stance is particularly significant at a time when some major powers, most notably the United States, have retreated from their international commitments on environmental protection. In contrast, China continues to present itself as a stabilizing force in global ecological governance. The report repeatedly highlights the development of a low-carbon economy, the promotion of green transformation among enterprises and the advancement of high-technology industries as key drivers of sustainable growth. These measures reinforce confidence that China is on track to become one of the world’s largest green economies in the coming decades.

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For the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, these developments present both opportunities and responsibilities. As an international financial center with deep capital markets and a sophisticated regulatory framework, the city is well positioned to play a leading role in green finance. With the Chinese mainland accelerating its transition to a low-carbon economy, Hong Kong can leverage its financial expertise and global networks to facilitate green investment, support environmental technologies and channel international capital into sustainable projects across the mainland.

The Government Work Report reflects a strong sense of strategic direction and global responsibility. At a time when geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties continue to intensify worldwide, China has reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful development and international cooperation.

Equally important, the report conveys a strong sense of concern for the well-being of people. It outlines policies aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening social welfare and ensuring the basic needs of the population are met. In this sense, it is not merely an economic blueprint but a policy framework that places people at the center of development.

The report also reiterates the importance of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, as well as the goal of promoting peaceful cross-strait relations and advancing national reunification. At the same time, China continues to emphasize respect for national sovereignty and independence while pursuing a peaceful foreign policy. In an era marked by geopolitical rivalry and instability, the country’s commitment to stability and multilateral cooperation stands out as an important counterweight to unilateralism.

At the economic level, the Government Work Report introduces new policies designed to reduce debt pressures and support stable growth. It outlines significant initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence, the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port and the continued advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative.

These policy priorities highlight the need for Hong Kong to more actively integrate itself into the nation’s overall development strategy. As China prepares for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, Hong Kong must clearly understand its role in supporting national development while maintaining its unique strengths under the “one country, two systems” framework.

The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area remains a key platform for such integration. Hong Kong should continue to contribute to the development of the Greater Bay Area into a world-class bay area, one that can serve as a model for regional development elsewhere. With major Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) activities scheduled to take place in Shenzhen this year, new opportunities for regional collaboration are emerging. Hong Kong should take full advantage of these developments to further strengthen its role as an international financial center and a bridge between the Chinese mainland and the broader world.

Another important dimension of the report concerns the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. As the central government accelerates efforts to transform Hainan into a globally competitive free trade hub, Hong Kong can contribute valuable expertise and experience. The development of a successful free trade port requires more than tax incentives or favorable consumption policies; it also depends on the mobility of talent, the cultivation of entrepreneurial spirit and the creation of a dynamic innovation ecosystem.

History offers a useful reminder. Hong Kong’s own rise as an international business hub was built on the contributions of entrepreneurs and investors from many places, including Shanghai, Guangdong and overseas markets. The same entrepreneurial dynamism will be essential to the success of Hainan’s development.

The report also emphasizes the important role of Hong Kong, Macao and overseas Chinese communities in advancing national development. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, the two special administrative regions are expected to serve as important bridges and platforms connecting the mainland with the global community. Their participation in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area will continue to strengthen China’s engagement with the global economy.

From a governance perspective, the report reflects a balanced strategy that combines firmness with openness. On the one hand, national security remains a priority. In a complex global environment, maintaining vigilance and safeguarding sovereignty are essential. On the other hand, China continues to promote peaceful development and economic openness.

This approach is reflected in policies aimed at lowering barriers to foreign investment, implementing more open economic policies and stimulating market vitality through fiscal and monetary tools such as tax and interest-rate adjustments. Together, these measures demonstrate a comprehensive governance philosophy that seeks to maintain stability while encouraging innovation and growth.

Demographic challenges are another issue highlighted in the report. Population aging and declining birth rates have become global concerns, and China is no exception. The government has therefore proposed policies aimed at fostering a more positive approach to childbearing while providing greater support for young families through education, childcare services and other forms of social assistance.

Addressing demographic trends will require collaboration across government, business and society. By mobilizing social resources and encouraging family-friendly policies, China aims to create a more supportive environment for child-rearing and ensure balanced long-term population development.

One particularly noteworthy initiative is the development of the Ecological Environment Code, a landmark piece of legislation consisting of more than 1,200 provisions. The code represents a major milestone in China’s legal development and reflects the country’s commitment to governing environmental protection through law.

The drafting process of this code involved extensive consultation with experts, industry stakeholders, regional authorities and representatives from the National People’s Congress. It embodies the principles of scientific legislation, democratic participation and fact-based policymaking. By integrating legal theory with practical governance experience, the code aims to establish a comprehensive framework for environmental protection.

More broadly, the development of such legal frameworks also contributes to global ecological governance. China’s efforts to promote the concept of a “beautiful China” and harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature align with broader international concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.

Indeed, the global ecological environment is facing unprecedented challenges, including armed conflicts, climate change, rising temperatures and increasing carbon emissions. These issues pose direct threats to the survival and well-being of humanity. Strengthening environmental protection and promoting sustainable development are therefore shared responsibilities that transcend national boundaries.

In this context, China’s policies can offer valuable perspectives and potential solutions for global environmental governance. By integrating economic development with ecological protection, the country is attempting to chart a path toward sustainable modernization.

Overall, this year’s Government Work Report demonstrates both strategic confidence and a strong sense of responsibility. It outlines a comprehensive vision that spans ecological civilization, economic transformation, technological innovation and international cooperation.

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For Hong Kong, the message is clear. The city must seize the opportunities created by national development while continuing to leverage its unique institutional advantages. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong can play a significant role in areas such as green finance, professional services, regional cooperation and international connectivity.

By aligning itself more closely with national strategies such as the Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong can contribute significantly to the nation’s high-quality development while also securing its own long-term prosperity.

In an era of global uncertainty, the direction set out in the Government Work Report offers both stability and opportunity. For Hong Kong, the task ahead is to actively participate in this broader national vision and work alongside the mainland to build a more sustainable, prosperous and interconnected future.

The author is a member of the Legislative Council and a Hong Kong deputy to the National People's Congress.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.