Bishop Stephen Chow urges Hongkongers to ‘make a difference’ amid trade turmoil
City’s top Catholic priest calls for unity in the face of bleak global sentiment fuelled by the US-China trade war in his Easter message
Hong Kong’s top Catholic priest has called on residents to be hopeful and united to make a difference despite escalating trade tensions between the US and China.
In his Easter message on Thursday, Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, head of the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong, said that sentiment around the world had become pessimistic with growing fears of a potential global recession, following the US imposition of tariffs on its trading partners.
He said the trade conflict could occur alongside regional warfare, geopolitical tensions and natural disasters, which would affect those with little means and low international or social status the most.
“What has happened to the so-called international community, which different countries have built up over the years since World War II?” Chow said in his first public comment on the tariff war.
“What about the recognised world order that has, in varying degrees, supported our approach to commerce, finance, cross-border mobilities, international sociopolitical affairs and more?
“Can we alter the course of changes that affect international sentiments? Or, must we play the role of sitting ducks, ready to be shot at?”
The bishop also stressed the importance of holding onto hope, urging people to unite and have faith to make a difference.