The new government and the community must rise to the challenge

Hong Kong is left with much soul searching after ushering in a new chapter yesterday. Wrapping up his three-day visit for the 20th anniversary of reunification with China, President Xi Jinping did not shy away from broaching a host of practical problems facing the city. The remarks are the most comprehensive – and authoritative - yet made, ranging from the need to better implement the policy of “one country, two systems” to staying united and fostering new development. It is now incumbent upon the new government and the community to work together and rise to the challenge.

Amid growing concerns over Beijing’s policy on Hong Kong affairs, the four key points delivered by the visiting state leader have provided much food for thought. In the sternest warning ever, Xi drew what he called “the red line” for Hong Kong. “Any attempt to endanger national sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government and the authority of the Basic Law or using Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is absolutely impermissible,” he said. He also made clear that it was necessary to improve the systems to uphold national sovereignty and security, and to enhance education and awareness of Chinese history and culture among locals. These are the clearest signals yet that the city has to speed up the enactment of national security legislation under the Basic Law’s Article 23, and to strengthen national education.

Equally important is the clarification over the new constitutional order. In his keynote speech following the inauguration of the new government, Xi noted that the legal origin of the special administrative region was rooted in the Basic Law and China’s constitution. He said we should strengthen the institutions and mechanisms for implementing the Basic Law and to raise awareness in this respect, especially among civil servants and youngsters.

SEEKING BROAD COMMON GROUND

It is clear that the city has yet to fully capitalise on the opportunities arising from national development. That is why we have been urged to focus more on fostering development. However, this cannot be achieved without a stable and harmonious environment. The president appears to be fully aware of the challenges in this respect. He acknowledged that there are still problems on various fronts, including those brought by global economic changes and international competition. The fact that we are a pluralistic society meant there would always be discord, he said. But however major our differences are, we should strive to put them aside while seeking broad common ground. Only through building consensus and avoiding confrontations and rifts could we foster social and economic development.