Hong Kong needs a new global perspective

Zhou Bajun says that with the world experiencing such uncertain times, there's all the more reason for HK people to remember they are an inalienable part of China

The Kuomintang (KMT) in Taiwan on Aug 20 elected Wu Den-yih as its new chairman and adopted a policy program developed under Wu's supervision. The new program has replaced the previous approach of "deepening the 1992 consensus" adopted under Wu's predecessor Hung Hsiu-chu with "maintaining the 1992 consensus but with different interpretations of 'One China' by the two sides". The KMT leadership, headed by Wu, also reiterated "no reunification, no independence and also no use of force" as advocated by former leader Ma Ying-jeou. It also set a "vision of peace" as goal instead of a "peace agreement" as sought by Hung. It is widely believed the new KMT leadership is leaning toward the "pro-independence" Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) when it comes to cross-straits policies.

By amending the party's policy program, the new KMT leadership aims to regain political control of Taiwan but it is doing this in the face of a profound shift in global economic, financial and political circumstances. The global center of gravity continues to move from Western Europe and North America to Asia. China's peaceful rise is unstoppable; no political party in Taiwan can maintain control of the island by advocating "no unification, no independence and no use of force", let alone seeking "Taiwan independence" openly or otherwise. Now that the People's Liberation Army Air Force regularly conducts round-Taiwan training flights for fighters and bombers, no one should underestimate the resolve and capabilities of the Chinese nation in protecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The status quo in Taiwan has prompted me to reflect more about the situation in Hong Kong.

A striking difference between Hong Kong and Taiwan is that the latter does not have a strong political force advocating the peaceful reunification of the Chinese nation. In Hong Kong, the patriotic forces are growing stronger. But the special administrative region government has shown a new governing style since taking office on July 1 - characterized by pragmatism and confidence. The implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle now follows the idea of "one country" before "two systems".

However, Hong Kong's opposition groups and their media allies still cling to the past very much like Taiwan's mainstream political parties and society. Their view of "one country, two systems" has not changed since the 1980s-90s. They choose to ignore instead of recognizing that "one country" - the People's Republic of China - has changed a great deal in the past 40 years or so and is still changing. They also ignore that Hong Kong is paying heavy prices for delayed economic transformation - including worsening political wrangling and slower social progress.

Having been protected by the United States for so long it is not difficult for certain political parties in Taiwan to overlook the changing global status quo. Hong Kong, however, has returned to China for 20 years. Its integration with the national economy has long passed the point of no return. That means it cannot afford to lose sight of this global economic, financial and political shift. First, Hong Kong must be aware of the crises happening around the world today, such as the one on the Korean Peninsula. There, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has been exchanging threats of war with the US for some time. In addition to the DPRK, US President Donald Trump has threatened to use force against Venezuela. He has also ordered more troops to fight in Afghanistan instead of pulling them out. Although there is no real sign that Washington is serious about starting more wars, countries in these regions cannot afford to let their guard down. They must do their best to defuse anything that might precipitate a war. There is no question the danger of new wars breaking out is greater than in any other period since World War II.

According to the Basic Law, Hong Kong enjoys considerable autonomy in a range of matters except those concerning national defense and foreign relations. However, that does not mean Hong Kong residents have nothing to worry about. The opposition camp must not assume they can do whatever they want without consequences. People were often amazed in the past 20 years by how easy it is for opposition parties to resist the State, to the point they can ignore the consequences of their actions. But Hong Kong people must never forget the fate of their city is firmly tied to the country's well-being.

Moreover, concerted efforts by emerging economies to support the global economy since 2008 are now running into problems. The long journey to the Chinese nation's rejuvenation has been anything but smooth. But the "final stretch" may be the toughest we will ever experience. Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China and people here must remember this during today's complex and rapidly changing global circumstances.

(HK Edition 08/30/2017 page7)