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Gary Cheung

The state leader overseeing Hong Kong affairs last night extended an olive branch to those in the city holding views that differed from Beijing’s, even as he stood firm on thorny issues such as Hong Kong independence.
Zhang Dejiang said it was inevitable that some problems had emerged in the implementation of the “one country, two systems” formula but expressed confidence all issues could be resolved with wisdom.
Referring to the rise of localism, Zhang said it was natural for people to be passionate about their hometown, and the unique situation and values of Hong Kong were respected under “one country, two systems”.
“But a tiny minority of people [in Hong Kong] resist ‘one country’ and the central government. They even brandish the banners of ‘Hong Kong independence’,” he said.
“It’s not a matter of localism but attempts to secede Hong Kong from the country in the name of localist sentiment.”
The chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee said Hong Kong people were discerning enough to know whether the calls for independence and secession would bring advancement or adversity to the city.
But in a conciliatory tone, the state leader said he noted Hong Kong was a pluralistic society and it was normal for there to be different or opposing views.
“We would like to listen to the opinions and suggestions from all walks of life and communicate in various ways for the good of Hong Kong,” he said.
“Rational communications help reduce or even eliminate differences and promote common ground.”
Zhang acknowledged there were some deep-rooted problems that arose in the implementation of “one country, two systems” which could not be solved overnight.
“However, there is no insurmountable ‘Mount of Flames’. We have the wisdom and ability to solve the problems,” he said.
Borrowing from late Canto-pop singer Roman Tam’s 1979 classic, Below the Lion Rock, Zhang said: “Set aside our discord, pursue our goals together in pursuit of our dream.”
Zhang also urged Hong Kong people to focus on economic development and improvement of people’s livelihood.
“Prolonged wrangling will not benefit Hong Kong, it will only adversely affect the economy,” he said.
The official who oversees Hong Kong affairs for Beijing said the city had plenty of strengths, such as a free flow of information, a business-friendly environment and the rule of law.
“Given these unique advantages, other countries and mainland cities can’t replace Hong Kong,” he said.
Zhang credited Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his administration for recognising the problems Hong Kong was facing and taking effective measures to facilitate the city’s economic and social development.
He said Hong Kong would play a more crucial role in the country’s development as long as Hongkongers maintained their can-do spirit and developed new strengths.
Lau Siu-kai, former head of the Central Policy Unit think tank, said Zhang recognised the anxiety of some Hongkongers and had sought to set their minds at ease by offering a reassurance that “one country, two systems” would remain unchanged.
“The calls of advocates of Hong Kong independence have become groundless as Zhang has dismissed the possibility of ‘one country, one system’ or ‘mainlandisation’ of Hong Kong,” Lau said.
Lau, who is vice-chairman of mainland think tank the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said Beijing had been willing to engage in dialogue with opposition forces as long as they supported the “one country, two systems” principle.
Political commentator Johnny Lau Yui-siu said Zhang was spelling out the central government’s tough stance on issues such as Hong Kong independence in a soft overture.
“The major purpose of Zhang’s meeting with pan-democrats is to ease the tension ahead of the Legislative Council elections in September,” Lau said.


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Zhang offers olive branch, but stands solidly versus notion of  Hong Kong independence 

Standing Committee of China's National People's Chairman Zhang Dejiang speaks during the welcome banquet hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in his honour. Photo: Handout

New | Zhang offers olive branch, but stands solidly versus notion of Hong Kong independence