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Hong Kong youth
Opinion

Hong Kong youth dream of democracy, fairness and a greener world. So does China

Wang Zhimin says the city’s young people should take heart in the Communist Party’s – and nation’s – growing strength and confidence, and weave their personal aspirations into the nation’s dream for rejuvenation

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As long as we firmly uphold the “one country” principle and make good use of the “two systems” advantage, Hongkongers, especially the young people, should be able to build a career, form a family, start a business and realise their dream. Photo: Dickson Lee
Wang Zhimin

Young people not only represent the future and hope but also constitute the most energetic force in driving social development forward with the times. I believe that young people do well when Hong Kong does well, and Hong Kong does even better when young people do better.

Earlier this month, the 19th Communist Party congress left its triumphant mark in the history books. It is safe to say that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s report is the sum of the party’s collective wisdom and the answer to the people’s expectations. It will guide our national development and profoundly influence the international community. That is the power of “big democracy”.
Some say there is no other political party in the world that could pull off a worldwide live broadcast of the entire proceedings of their national congress that produces the new leadership. The openness and transparency showcased reflected the poise and self-confidence of the Communist Party. It is said that the “Lu Lian phenomenon” is brewing as some Taiwanese students in Peking University have declared their intention to join the party. [Taiwanese academic Lu Lian became the talk of the town last month after openly attending the 19th congress as a party member.]

Lessons in history show how the truth hurts

The “new era” is vivid and tangible. A vital point raised in the report is that the main contradiction of China’s society has become one between the people’s ever-growing need for a better life, and unbalanced and inadequate development. This means, in the new era, that China needs to advance all aspects of democracy, rule of law, fairness, justice, security and the environment.

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Those keywords should sound familiar to Hong Kong youth, who are pursuing them as well.

The 19th party congress elevated “one country, two systems” to a component of fundamental national strategy. That tells us we should also think about Hong Kong’s role and opportunities – even Hong Kong’s future and the young people’s future. It is important to note that many strategic plans spelled out in the report actually concern Hong Kong and will greatly benefit Hong Kong.

All you need to know about Xi Jinping’s remarks on Hong Kong in his report to the party congress

One example is the “Belt and Road Initiative”. Hong Kong has played a very important role in the country’s efforts to “bring in” and “go out” over the past 39 years of reform and opening up, and will surely play a greater role in implementing the belt and road plan, developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and the internationalisation of the renminbi. The Greater Bay Area should be the fertile ground for young people to cultivate their careers.
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