A gentler, kinder Hong Kong will usher in closer ties with mainland China

We do not indulge a single opinion while dismissing others. This open attitude is necessary in our cosmopolitan city, where government leaders at all levels, from Beijing to the SAR, and political parties of all stripes play a role. Further, all in Hong Kong, including professionals, locals and immigrants, and the various groups of minorities, all have a stake in the city's well-being. As a team serving Hong Kong's interests, we should respect one another.

Likewise, mainland China's connections with Hong Kong deserve attention and respect. The acceptance of China's status and role does not mean we have to force ourselves to agree with someone else, or tie our hands and do nothing. Neither blind support nor absolute rejection of the authorities is sensible; both are too extreme.

The Third Side respects differences, and believes dissimilarities create possibilities for dialogue or progress. A rational discussion that does not seek to press the other side to change can generate new alternatives and hope. For truthful communication, we have to be objective, analytical, courageous enough to speak the truth, and open-minded enough to hear it from someone else.

Thus we advocate the importance of understanding the needs of both Hong Kong and mainland China, to encourage cooperative negotiation when conflicts arise, and support wise solutions that cater to the interests of both sides. Take political reform. It had seemed there were only two views: those for and against. Where was our natural sympathy for the other side and a third view?

To bring confronting sides closer together, we will seek to break the issue into smaller parts, so that some common ground could be found before tackling the deep differences. In this way, we may build good relations with the mainland, which is essential if Hong Kong is to continue to flourish.