Hong Kong is not the only star of China’s Greater Bay Area. It must adapt or be left behind

The unique role Hong Kong has played for at least the past century is disappearing as mainland cities such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou emerge as leaders

Months of anti-government unrest in Hong Kong may lead Beijing to consciously weaken the city’s special position in China’s overall development plan, of which the Greater Bay Area is a key plank

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Shenzhen, known as China’s Silicon Valley, is not just home to several Chinese technology giants but is also the birthplace of most of the fastest-growing companies in the Greater Bay Area. Photo: Reuters

Published: 9:30am, 30 Jan 2020Updated: 9:33am, 30 Jan 2020

At the heart of China’s future development is Beijing’s long-term plan to turn the Greater Bay Area into an economic powerhouse. Such a plan puts Hong Kong's current position under pressure, as alternative locations will soon provide legal and financial services similar to those found in the special administrative region.

Thus, the city’s position depends very much on China’s economic and social conditions, particularly its progress in reform and opening up.

A vision for Hong Kong is also of vital importance, and this lies in the hands of those who lead the city.

Historically, Hong Kong’s legal system and economy have operated outside the direct influence of the mainland. Due to this institutional setting, Hong Kong has been a semi-independent window for mainland China since before the 1997 handover.

China lagged behind advanced societies in science, technology and economic openness. Even before its modernisation, Chinese authorities took a closed-border approach to foreign influence, and so international exchange in information and culture was limited.