Don't stifle students' idealism, channel it for the good of Hong Kong

Metaphorically, "one country, two systems" is a symbiosis - like that of a clown fish and anemone. While the symbiotic union is usually mutually beneficial, it can turn antagonistic if the inherent contradictions are not well managed.

Hong Kong's "high degree of autonomy" is being challenged by the new Beijing leadership, which gives priority to national sovereignty and security.

Economically, a widening wealth gap, lack of economic restructuring and high property prices are examples of conflicts arising from the "double integration" of Hong Kong's economy with that of mainland China and with the rest of the world. Socially, linguistic, cultural and value differences between Hong Kong and the mainland have deepened mistrust. In essence, there is unease between the clown fish and anemone.

How should this off-balance relationship be addressed? One particular episode in Chinese history may be instructive - the story of how the legendary ruler Yu the Great devised a flood control system that greatly benefited the people some 2,300 years ago.

Yu's father, who was appointed to stop the floods, spent more than nine years building dykes and dams along riverbanks. But, despite his efforts, the floods persisted.

As an adult, Yu continued his father's work but instead of dykes, Yu built irrigation canals to channel the floodwaters into the fields. This halted the floods, allowing Chinese culture to flourish along the Yellow River.

To draw an analogy, the student movement has unleashed unstoppable political energy. Instead of bottling it, society should treasure the students' enthusiasm and guide their democratic aspirations towards constructive dialogue on electoral proposals.