Hong Kong must view Beijing as a partner, not enemy
Understanding the central government is tricky, but we must do it in order to succeed
Here's the million-dollar question - What's on the mind of Beijing regarding Hong Kong? When, in the eyes of the Chinese leaders, will our city outlive its usefulness not only as a model of economic success, but also as a demonstration of the validity of the "one country, two systems" concept?
By and large, Beijing has been on its best behaviour and refrains from interfering with Hong Kong's internal affairs. But will it eventually say "enough is enough" and shows the city its iron fist? In the grand scheme of things, just how important is this tiny territory to the central government?
Getting Beijing right is, of course, notoriously difficult, even for those who have dealt with it for decades. It may not be easy for Hong Kong people to understand what makes Beijing tick. But do we really have a choice? By now, Hongkongers should know that understanding Beijing is required for getting what they want.
This is exactly why we should be more concerned with how the decision makers in the capital define their interests. Two-time British prime minster Henry John Temple Viscount Lord Palmerston is credited with saying that countries have no permanent enemies or allies, only permanent interests, and it is the duty of a government to follow those interests.