Opinion | Signs for Hong Kong at China’s ‘two sessions’ were promising

A number of significant messages delivered by China’s leadership at the “two sessions” of the National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference have further shed light on how Hong Kong can chart its course for the future in an increasingly competitive and intensely unsettled world.

There is no question that the world has embarked on a new era, one characterised by growing global geopolitical tension, shaky international financial markets, regional military build-up, the US’ ongoing attempts to thwart China’s efforts to be technologically self-reliant and, above all, an unclear global economic outlook. Hong Kong needs a bright beacon and strong support to navigate the turbulent times.

At one of China’s most important annual political events, Chinese President Xi Jinping was elected unanimously for an unprecedented third term, ensuring continuity and stability in the implementation of his policies and realisation of his vision for the nation and the Chinese people.

In a way, his thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era will certainly be the fundamental guiding principle for China’s governance and development of China in the years ahead.

Because of this, Hong Kong’s leadership, as an integral part of Chinese governance, has to demonstrate ingenuity and wisdom in charting the city’s course in support of President Xi’s vision, for the long-term prosperity and stability of the country, while ensuring that the city smoothly functions under the “one country, two systems” constitutional principle.