Bernard Chan

Opinion | ‘Unsafe’ Hong Kong a convenient target for Western politicians at election time

While London battles a crime spree and soldiers guard the New York subway, politicians in the West choose to target law and order in Hong Kong, one of the world’s safest cities, rather than deal with problems at home

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Members of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) protest against the US for smearing Hong Kong’s national security law and Article 23 legislation outside the US consulate in Central on March 11. Photo: Edmond So

Bernard Chan

Published: 9:30am, 22 Mar 2024Updated: 10:47am, 22 Mar 2024

I had the great privilege recently of listening to a discussion with the distinguished Martin Barrow, who provided valuable perspectives on our tourism development and promotion. He lived in Hong Kong for over 20 years and served in public and private posts, including as chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Association and vice-chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

After retirement, he moved to London but remains deeply engaged in Hong Kong affairs, maintaining strong connections with the city he has always cherished and considers his second home.

During the discussion, Barrow explained that because he regularly returns to Hong Kong, many friends and business leaders in the United Kingdom often ask him about public safety and the dangers lurking in Hong Kong’s streets. He responds that Hong Kong is one of the world’s safest places, far safer than walking on the streets of London.

Perhaps it is understandable that the more ill-informed associate Hong Kong with the images of violence and disruption that briefly threatened the city in 2019. They do not understand that Hong Kong has moved on from the violent street protests that were broadcast globally because Western media coverage is often distorted. However, the local community has continued to move forward and develop in the traditions of peace, prosperity and harmony.

I recently heard of a senior American executive to whom the head office assigned a bodyguard because of the misguided belief that the streets of Hong Kong are unsafe. It quickly became evident that this was completely unnecessary.

People in Hong Kong tend to take law and order for granted. Women, children and older people can walk alone through the streets in complete safety, morning, noon or night. They can travel on public transport without fear of harassment or violence. This is not the case in most major British, European or American cities.