What are Hong Kong’s next best steps after ‘two sessions’ in Beijing?
Analysts and members of NPC and CPPCC lay out their suggestions for city’s next moves following key political meetings in capital
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Align with national geopolitical strategy
The country’s 15th five-year plan approved during the meetings asked Hong Kong to bolster its role as an international financial centre and develop into a global innovation and technology hub.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s government work report, for the first time, highlighted Beijing’s support for Hong Kong in better serving national development.
Veteran political commentator Sonny Lo Shiu-hing said the city could no longer adopt a “Hong Kong-centred” mindset of asking for the central government’s support. Instead, the city should align with the country’s geopolitical strategies amid escalating tensions, he said.
“Beijing has empowered Hong Kong and Macau to have some paradiplomatic function,” Lo said. “Hong Kong is expected to be a superconnector connecting with other countries because of its strong common law background, and roles as a strong financial and monetary centre and aviation hub.”