Opinion | Hong Kong must convince Beijing that political reform within ‘one country, two systems’ can be mutually advantageous

At their core, Hong Kong’s problems are not just economic. They are also to do with the administration’s political calcification, frustrations about lethargic political reform and the handling of the extradition bill and protests.

Most protesters have genuine grievances about how the system operates. Yet, if our city is to make political progress, we cannot treat Beijing as a mortal enemy. We should make known our frustrations and demands, and make a case for why mutual interests can be aligned through genuine, systemic political reforms.

First, politics is constrained by realism – the livelihoods and businesses of millions are at stake. Hong Kong is undeniably a part of China, politically, legally and internationally. The mainland also has significant economic leverage, from our intertwined economies to our financial markets, from cross-border commercial interactions to tourism.

The whimsical and petulant expressions of symbolic solidarity from the capricious American Congress will not last very long, as the 2020 presidential election gains traction; appealing to the British or the West at large is futile when it is unclear what, if anything, they could do.

Thus, Hongkongers must make the case that political liberalisation and devolution are in the central government’s interests – the appointment of more meritocratic and competent individuals can help better juggle mutual interests, serve as a public pressure valve and prevent bloodshed. This is a realistic proposal, but its viability is rapidly dissipating.

Second, democracy in Hong Kong can only come about when we build a critical coalition between pro-establishment politicians, large businesses, moderates and mainland Chinese who have increasingly significant stakes in the city’s operations.