Hong Kong’s third runway and Lantau Tomorrow Vision are obsolete as coronavirus changes the world
- Given the pandemic’s challenges and unforeseeable factors, the Hong Kong government should rethink existing development plans and be more flexible, focusing on those that are vital to the city’s survival and in the people’s best interests
The world has undergone drastic changes in the past year with unprecedented “black swan” events occurring. The US-China trade war, Hong Kong’s protests against the extradition bill, the Covid-19 pandemic, the death of George Floyd which led to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations – all have disrupted the world order.
More than 9 million people have been diagnosed with Covid-19, and the death toll has reached almost half a million and continues to surge. One after another, countries are being hit hard by the pandemic.
It’s clear that Covid-19 is far from under control. The suspected second wave has already surfaced in China, the United States and Europe.
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What is worth highlighting is that the pandemic has completely changed our way of living, overturning traditional industries and existing systems. Then there is the negative impact of the new cold war caused by the prolonged stand-off between China and the United States.
Given the challenges and unforeseeable factors, any government should put serious thought into existing development plans which seem obsolete now. This is especially the case for Hong Kong, which has gone through the protests against the extradition law and now faces emerging social unrest over the national security law.
The government should immediately terminate all works. Instead of wasting public funds, the administration should find ways to revitalise the tourism and aviation industries to maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.
The government should use the current global lull in aviation to enhance the current air traffic control equipment and facilities. A strong team with talent from all over the world should be built to maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness in aviation.
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The world has changed, and the government should be flexible with its development plans and policy proposals. Those that are vital to Hong Kong’s survival should come first.
Albert Cheng King-hon is a political commentator