Cheung chikong

A year after the National Security Law for Hong Kong entered into force and as the city embarked on electoral reform, social stability has been restored in the Special Administrative Region and black protests are a thing of the past. The city, as one of the world’s major financial centers, has also seen positive changes by breaking a cycle of unproductive political struggles and correcting loopholes in local governance, which can no longer be exploited for the purposes of engage in subversive activities. All of these changes have given Hong Kong-based residents and businesses new hope. However, local politicians said that much remains to be done to protect national security, raise public awareness and deepen their understanding of the country and the leadership of the Communist Party. Party of China (CPC). With Hong Kong set to hold three important elections in the coming months, Global Times reporters Chen Qingqing and Bai Yunyi (GT) spoke with prominent Hong Kong politicians, including Cheung Chi-kong (Cheung), a close associate of Leung Chun-ying. , former director general of the Hong Kong SAR and executive director of the “one country, two systems” research institute, on the changing political environment and new challenges.

GT: Recently, Hong Kong residents have organized a number of activities to celebrate the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the homeland and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), how do you see them? changes in the role of the CCP in Hong Kong society, considering that it has remained fairly low-key for years?

Cheung: Before Hong Kong returned to the motherland, relations between Hong Kong and the CCP were delicate, as the city’s century-old history is complex. However, when you look at the Constitution or the Basic Law, there is no article stating that the CCP cannot openly conduct business in Hong Kong. While the CPC has remained low profile in the past, it felt that such a low profile was appropriate in some historical context.

But we must stay in tune with the times. In the past, there were a lot of people who had a misunderstanding about the CCP, which seemed to be in the form of sensitive words. In fact, the leadership of the CCP is recognized by the Constitution, both in its political and legal status. Meanwhile, the central government is emphasizing its full jurisdiction over Hong Kong. Where is full jurisdiction? It is in the hands of the CCP.

The CPC has full jurisdiction over Hong Kong, and it cannot always operate in the shadows. Without establishing a legitimate position and engaging in open activities, how would the CCP explain to others that it is the ruling party that has full jurisdiction over Hong Kong? So, ultimately, he must step out of his low-key status to communicate with Hong Kong residents in a direct and open manner, while also addressing some political issues of the past.

So now is the time for CPC to have open and direct interaction with Hong Kong residents. It was only a matter of time, and we should talk about it clearly, because the CCP will not be afraid of being criticized by others when it faces a historic judgment. What the Party has accomplished over the past 100 years should make everyone understand their role.

Fishing boats in Hong Kong are draped with celebratory flags and banners marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CCP and the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. Photo: IC

GT: Under the National Security Law for Hong Kong and with electoral reform, Hong Kong has restored social stability over the past year; However, the city still faces security concerns given the recent “lone wolf” attack on a Hong Kong policeman and the latest arrests for a bomb plot. Do you think such “lone wolf” attacks or terrorist plots will be a future trend in Hong Kong?

Cheung: During the past year, some organizations endangering national security have not been able to function. Some self-proclaimed media, which did not carry out media-related activities, have ceased their activities. However, individual “lone wolf” attacks may continue to exist for some time, behind which some networks may have connections to international networks. When we factor in the terrorist attacks in foreign countries, many were not well organized but got some messages of support from the outside world. Apparently these were “lone wolf” styles of attack, but there are some networks working behind them. There is no exception for Hong Kong.

Despite the challenges, Hong Kong authorities, especially the Hong Kong Police Department of National Security, are able to cope with these potential risks, and individual cases can be brought under control.

GT: There has recently been a big reshuffle in the government of the Hong Kong SAR. What is the message of this reshuffle and what are the expectations of the next Hong Kong SAR government after the three big elections in the next few months?

Cheung: Carrie Lam, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong SAR government, expressed expectations for John Lee Ka-chiu, who was recently appointed chief secretary of the Hong Kong SAR government which carries out large-scale activities to safeguard national security, because the work can This should not be done only by the Hong Kong Security Bureau and Disciplined Services given the overall situation.

In the future, Lee will likely have to do large-scale work in other industries, including education and finance.

I also think that the next government will be difficult, because the next chief executive will have a strong position, with greater capacity, vision and shoulder responsibilities while fully understanding the international environment. The questions about Hong Kong are not only related to the city, but there are outside forces behind them. For example, some rioters have fled overseas, while some foreign countries have commented on Hong Kong affairs.

The future CEO should have the courage to take up all these challenges and move their agenda forward.

GT: Since you are close to Leung Chun-ying, do you think he will be a suitable candidate for the next general manager? Do you know if he has the will to participate in the election?

Cheung: Considering his abilities since he was Managing Director for five years, I think he is 100% suitable for this position, which of course requires various types of cooperation. It also depends on his own will.

Hong Kong Police College holds a graduation parade on July 10 with Chinese-style military formations Photo: Xinhua

GT: As Hong Kong will have three major elections, do you think they will be held in a peaceful and democratic manner? What are the challenges we will face?

Cheung: Given the current general environment, these three elections should go smoothly. But it is difficult to say that there will be no external interference. Hong Kong is an international city, which has also been one of China’s most open cities to the rest of the world. Foreign forces have many ways to participate in Hong Kong affairs, however, they will have no fundamental influence over the elections. When there are no attempts at sabotage, subversion or the search for power in elections, the characteristics of a true democracy can be fully realized.

There will also be gradual changes in our political environment. Some supporters of the opposition camp may not vote this time. It takes years to see a changing environment. They also need time to understand the situation and accept the political perspectives of other groups.

Over the past decades, we have spent so much time in political battles, which has poisoned the political soil of Hong Kong. Along with the Hong Kong National Security Law and electoral reform, we must also cultivate a good political culture by excluding people who intended to seek power or overthrow the CCP. With a healthy political culture, different groups, including some opposed to government policies, can engage in competitions by proposing more favorable policies while more political talent can be cultivated in such an environment.

Over the next 10 years, the most important thing we should do is establish such new political cultures and new political directions while cultivating a new set of political talent.