Editorial | Hong Kong must rise to role in the name of peaceful reunification
- Speakers at key Chinese conference in city say benefits of ‘one country, two systems’ are there for Taiwan to see
The return of Hong Kong to Chinese rule in 1997 was a milestone on the country’s path to reunification. The journey continued when Beijing reiterated its firm position on the Taiwan issue at a high-level conference in the city this week, emphasising its zero tolerance for independence and advocating peaceful reunification as the way forward.
Hong Kong was seen to have a role to play by fostering more cross-strait exchanges and accurately implementing the “one country, two systems” for the benefit of the island.
The gathering of mainland and local officials with representatives from other regions at the Overseas Chinese World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China illustrates the long-standing unique role of the city and its importance in promoting healthy cross-strait relations. In a congratulatory note, Wang Huning, the country’s top political adviser and No 4 official, commended the efforts of Chinese in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas in pushing back against advocates for the island’s independence.
Separately, Shi Taifeng, director of Beijing’s United Front Work Department, also praised them for taking ownership of patriotism and safeguarding Hong Kong. He called upon Chinese around the world to tell the positive story of the nation’s peaceful pursuit of unity.
When late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping came up with one country, two systems as the solution for Hong Kong’s future, there were suggestions that he also had Taiwan in mind. Some people may think the notion no longer stands in the wake of changes following the 2019 social unrest.
