Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. Shortly after Taiwan elected independence-leaning candidate
William Lai Ching-te as leader, Chinese President Xi Jinping
said the Chinese Communist Party must win the hearts of people in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan by strengthening patriotic and reunification forces.
Although this election could be seen as merely a regional issue, its impact extends far beyond the island’s coast. How can China win the hearts of Chinese inside and outside of mainland China?
China can no longer win over people with its economic growth. In recent years, China exploited its overwhelming economic power to gain support, including among many Taiwanese. For example, former presidential candidate
Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang once tempted his supporters with promises of economic wealth from mainland China.
Censorship and propaganda are becoming less effective in ensuring social harmony. A globalised China in a digitalised era means that the government can no longer completely control information. Many mainland Chinese gained full access to information related to the Taiwanese election via the internet. Some even flew to Taiwan to observe the election.
The protests in which people held up
blank sheets of paper during the pandemic show that despite online censorship, members of the public were willing and able to organise large-scale demonstrations to show their discontent. The risk of instability derived from demands for political reform is higher than ever.
Therefore, China can’t return to the closed-door policy and maintain its stability merely through propaganda and censorship.
Since reforming and opening up economically, China has become a vital global player. The country has assumed more global responsibility and leadership by contributing to United Nations peacekeeping missions and promoting global development and trade through the
Belt and Road Initiative.
In addition, China’s
efforts to combat climate change and push for sustainability go far beyond those of most other nations. For many around the world, China is the only major power that actively promotes peace, prosperity and a better global future.
To ensure stability and gain further support, China can also broaden its appeal through tourism, cultural heritage and hospitality. Expanding
visa exemptions for visitors from around the world is a great start.
Censorship and economic power are not enough to win Chinese hearts. In an ever-changing environment, China has to change.
Christophe Feuille, Bordeaux, France
How you know Hong Kong’s going back to normal
A lot has been going on in Hong Kong. Last week, the Hang Seng Index
dropped below 15,000 points one day but
bounced back the very next day. Soon the People’s Bank of China announced a cut to banks’ reserve ratio to inject liquidity into the market; it also
unveiled six policies, including the expansion of cross-border investment channel Bond Connect from this month, which reinforces Hong Kong’s role as a financial hub.
The world’s financial leaders gathered in Hong Kong for the
Asian Financial Forum and the Asia Private Equity Forum. In the Legislative Council, lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee urged the government to bring in more
world-renowned entertainers to attract their fans to Hong Kong, while Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung replied that this was ultimately a commercial decision. This is a sign, good or bad, of our government’s laissez-faire approach to business.
Also, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu
spoke to legislators about the passage of Article 23 legislation for Hong Kong’s stability. And don’t forget the ongoing court case involving
Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, though most ordinary people are losing interest.
In the meantime, foreign sentiment about China’s economic sustainability remains downbeat. The plight of veteran hedge fund manager Asia Genesis, following its
wrong strategy of long China and short Japan positions, reinforces Western negativity about China.
Then again, all this shows Hong Kong is back to normal. Lunar New Year is just round the corner and all around the country,
people are preparing to travel to see their loved ones. Hopefully, now that more overseas visitors have been granted visa-free access to China, they will have a chance to rub shoulders with migrant workers travelling by road or air, and see for themselves how efficiently the transport system serves all these homeward bound travellers. They can then tell the world about the real China – including our city, Hong Kong.
Joseph Chan, chairman, Silk Road Economic Development Research Centre
Article 23 legislation must be explained to all residents
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu commences a very public display regarding the implementation of Article 23 legislation, vowing to actively explain it. Is this to be done in a similar manner to local elections, where English was barely used? Are we to assume non-Chinese-speaking residents of Hong Kong are exempted? Laws are implemented to serve all and one hopes to see a multilingual discussion of Article 23.
Mark Peaker, The Peak
