Lianhe Zaobao:

China enforced the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in 2020 to maintain stability in Hong Kong. Some opinions argue that Hong Kong is becoming similar to the mainland, which would affect its position as an international financial center. Notably, after the outbreak of the pandemic, Hong Kong's connectivity with the rest of the world has been influenced by its connection with the mainland. What is your take on that? Thank you. 

Huang Liuquan:

I think upholding national security is common practice for all countries in the world, and not a single country would tolerate deeds and opinions to overturn its national political power and split the country. All countries worldwide have their own national security laws. If you read the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), you will understand that there is no difference between the law and national security laws of other countries, with the same purpose and content. Therefore, in my view, it is alarmist and politically biased to say that Hong Kong would become similar to the mainland's system because of the enforcement of the law in Hong Kong. Fact proves that after its enforcement, Hong Kong has restored an orderly rule of law, safe lives for the Hong Kong people, and a sound business environment. A poll showed that 71.9% of respondents believed that the enforcement of the law bolstered their confidence in Hong Kong's practice of "one country, two systems."

In his speech at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, President Xi Jinping highlighted that "we must maintain Hong Kong's distinctive status and advantages." The central government and the Hong Kong people cherish Hong Kong's distinctive advantages in relying on the motherland and connecting the world. Both support Hong Kong in consolidating its position as an international financial, shipping, and trade center. Both champion a free, open, and standard business environment, maintain the common law, and expand smooth and convenient international connectivity. We believe that no matter what others say, Hong Kong will dazzle the world with its enormous vitality as an international metropolis. 

As for the question you asked about connectivity against the backdrop of the pandemic, my opinion is that the rampant global pandemic has exerted a profound influence and has changed the way the world connects each other, and Hong Kong is not immune to that. I noticed that the new term of the government of the HKSAR reiterated many times after its inauguration that connecting with the rest of the world and achieving customs clearance between the mainland and Hong Kong are compatible. The HKSAR coordinates epidemic prevention and control and socio-economic development and improves its epidemic prevention and control measures according to the epidemic development of Hong Kong and the rest of the world as well as Hong Kong's conditions. I think the adjustments made by the HKSAR are justified and should not be over-interpreted. 

Thank you.