It’s too early to discuss Hong Kong’s post-2047 future, says Beijing diplomat

Song Ru’an also says any effort to make Hong Kong an independent nation will lead nowhere

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Song Ru’an says it is too early to discuss Hong Kong’s future after 2047. Photo: Nora Tam

Published: 5:52pm, 23 May 2017Updated: 10:34pm, 23 May 2017

A top Chinese diplomat in Hong Kong has said it is too early to discuss what will happen to Hong Kong after Beijing’s promise of “one country, two systems” expires in 2047, as the city should focus on efforts to boost the economy and safeguard national security.

Song Ru’an, deputy commissioner of Beijing’s foreign ministry office in Hong Kong, also reiterated that any effort to make Hong Kong an independent nation would lead nowhere.

Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys a “high degree of autonomy”. Article 5 of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, also states that the former British colony’s “capitalist system and way of life shall remain unchanged for 50 years” after the 1997 handover.

In recent years, there has been increasing concern that Beijing is increasing its control over Hong Kong, with localist groups proposing that a referendum should be held in Hong Kong to decide whether it can become independent in 2047. The idea has been snubbed by Beijing and Hong Kong officials.

Speaking to the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Song was asked to give his take on what would happen in 30 years’ time.

“I believe that the city’s high degree of autonomous power will continue,” Song said. “But we are all clear that there are unaccomplished tasks in the ‘one country, two systems’ principle ... so I think it is too early to talk about what will happen after 2047. We should focus on how to implement ‘one country, two systems’ comprehensively and accurately.”