The Past, Present and Future of Hong Kong

—A Personal Perspective

By Mr. Yang Wenchang, Commissioner of the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Hong Kong SAR

　　A year has lapsed since I took my current office.  During that time, I have witnessed the extraordinary experience of Hong Kong people tiding over difficulties and setbacks, and rebuilding confidence through hard work under the leadership of the special administrative region’s government, headed by Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa. I experienced in person the panic brought on by Sars, the pain in economic restructuring, and the agonising disputes over Hong Kong’s political system. As a Chinese poem goes, only the toughest can withstand the wildest storm. In spite of all those difficult moments, the Pearl of the Orient still glitters after the storm,  which shows the world that its people are capable not only of building Hong Kong, but also of governing Hong Kong. “One country, two systems” has and will continue to demonstrate its vitality.

　　Today, Hong Kong is a world-class centre of finance, trade and shipping.  Its economy lagged behind Shanghai and Guangzhou in the early 1950s, and it embarked on the fast track of growth from the 1970s. The rise of Hong Kong to prosperity came at a time when the mainland began to pursue the policy of reform and opening up in the late 1970s, which resulted in the rapid development of its economy, and other sectors.

　　Basically, there are two reasons for Hong Kong’s prosperity. First, its people are well known for their wisdom and enterprising spirit. Over the past decades, the Chinese business community, with their adaptability, decisiveness, courage and vision, has played a significant role in all the critical stages of its development.

　　Second, its people have taken full advantage of Hong Kong’s geographic location and close links with the motherland, positioning it as the window and bridge for the mainland in international economic and trade co-operation, hence achieving common prosperity with the mainland. Therefore, just as Deng Xiaoping put it, “the prosperity of Hong Kong in the past has been achieved by the Hong Kong people, with Chinese being a majority”. The prosperity of Hong Kong has never been a favour from others.

　　The policy of “one country, two systems” guarantees not only the smooth resumption of the central government’s sovereignty over Hong Kong, but also its continued prosperity. The Basic Law safeguards the capitalist free trade system and the way of life here, enabling Hong Kong to maintain its market-based economic system. In addition, Hong Kong enjoys a special and high degree of autonomy: while having closer co-operation with the mainland in various fields, it continues to develop economic and trade relations with the rest of the world, fully using its advantage as a free port and information centre. It has been proved that “one country, two systems”, with its comprehensiveness and vitality, is a great innovation.

　　The concept of “one country, two systems” was invented by the Chinese people, and stands as a living testimony to their creativeness and wisdom. Since it has never been a result of diplomatic negotiations, there is no such question as to whether its implementation should be monitored by any foreign government. The Chinese government clearly states in the Basic Law that the policy of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong, and a high degree of autonomy, will remain unchanged for 50 years. It is because this firm commitment has to do with the welfare of 6.8 million Hong Kong compatriots and the peaceful reunification of the motherland, as well as the common interests of 1.3 billion Chinese. In this regard, the central government values the success of “one country, two systems” more than any foreign government, and it attaches more importance to maintaining Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as well as its stability and prosperity, than any foreign government.  

　　Hong Kong and Macau’s smooth transition from colonial rule finds no parallel in world history. In this sense, “one country, two systems” has set a good example for the world on how to settle disputes and outstanding historical issues through peaceful means. By so doing, the Chinese government has made a significant contribution to maintaining world peace. No matter what problems Hong Kong may encounter, the Chinese government will unswervingly pursue the policy. There is no doubt about that, and there is no need for irresponsible intervention by others.

　　Premier Wen Jiabao made his point clear when he visited Hong Kong last year that Hong Kong is of China, is of the Hong Kong people and is open to the world, which well manifests its historical status.

　　First of all, as an inalienable part of Chinese territory, Hong Kong has been closely sharing its fate with the motherland. In the 19th century, when the corrupt late Qing Dynasty government was weak, and western invaders ravaged and partitioned the whole country, Hong Kong was forced to be under British colonial rule. However, when China began its great rejuvenation in the late 20th century, Hong Kong not only benefited, but was also smoothly reunited with the motherland.

　　At the same time, Hong Kong is of the Hong Kong people. During the 150 years of being under colonial rule, generations of Hong Kong people, with their enterprising spirit and hard work, built up a prosperous and brilliant Pearl of the Orient and earned Hong Kong the reputation as one of the “Four Little Dragons” in Asia. This is the pride of Hong Kong people, as well as the pride of every Chinese.

　　Third, due to historical reasons and thanks to its geographical location, Hong Kong gradually became the most flourishing centre of international finance, shipping and trade.  Today, the mainland economy has kept the momentum of sustained, speedy, healthy and balanced growth. China is a big factory and a huge market at the same time, while Hong Kong has become the gateway for China to expand exchanges with the outside world. The world is crowding into China and there are precious opportunities for Hong Kong to use its unique advantages.

　　Hong Kong is an international metropolis with the vitality of an open and diversified economy. The central government has spared no efforts to support and assist Hong Kong to expand its exchanges with the world in the field of trade and economy, culture, science and technology, and sports, for example, in order to upgrade its influence. The Hong Kong government, on its part, has created positive conditions for the healthy and mutually beneficiary co-operation between the SAR, the mainland and the world.

　　For years, foreign consuls as well as financial and cultural organisations here have also been playing a constructive role in this field. I appreciate very much that their representatives have respected China’s sovereignty over Hong Kong, and Hong Kong’s long-term interests, while actively seeking and expanding common interests based on compliance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. I highly approve of British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s position that Hong Kong should become a bridge of win-win co-operation between Britain and China. Meanwhile, I would like to take this opportunity to remind a certain quarter to refrain from interfering in Hong Kong’s political affairs, which by nature belong to China’s internal affairs.

　　“One country, two systems” is brand new and difficulties and disturbances of this kind or another could get in the way of Hong Kong’s economic recovery and social progress. Still, it is my firm belief that with the all-out support of the 1.3 billion fellow citizens in the mainland, Hong Kong’s compatriots will stand united, sum up past experiences and strive for a better future with unremitting efforts. I am also deeply convinced that the great undertaking of “one country, two systems” will ride the wind and cleave the waves, sweep over rapids and shoals like a ship which has set sail, and finally reach the opposite shore of victory.