Hongkongers should carry out more overseas charity work, says ex-leader CY Leung

Chinese people have ‘more and more important role in developing people-to-people diplomacy’, he says

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The GX Foundation has carried out thousands of cataract operations in under two years. Photo: Facebook/GX Foundation

Published: 6:37pm, 18 Aug 2024

Former Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying has urged residents to engage more in overseas charity work to strengthen “their roles in developing people-to-people diplomatic ties” as China becomes more prominent on the international stage.

Leung, a vice-chairman of the country’s top political advisory body, on Sunday noted the importance of China taking part in philanthropic activities, rather than solely focusing on economic and trade matters.

“Regardless of which of the cross-strait four regions you are from, the Chinese have a more and more important role in developing people-to-people diplomacy overseas,” he told a radio show, referring to the “cross-strait four regions” of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

“This involves engaging teams and money from civil society instead of solely relying on government funds for philanthropic businesses.

“I encourage Hongkongers to form charities and organise initiatives abroad if they have the commitment and time, regardless of scale.”

The former chief executive said medicine, public health, education and support for children and the elderly were areas residents could focus on.

Leung is chairman of the charity GX Foundation, which he set up with business leaders six years ago. It undertakes public health missions in countries in the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s plan to grow global trade.