Henry Ho says speaking up will give international community better understanding and the big picture of the city’s development

Earlier this month, the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held in Geneva, Switzerland. It was my honor to attend the Council’s panel meetings in person for the first time — as I met with many representatives who joined the discussion and explained to them what had happened in Hong Kong. As one of representatives of Hong Kong’s nongovernmental organizations to attend the Council’s latest panel meetings, I took this invaluable opportunity to share my views on Hong Kong’s recent development. Delivering short speeches in two panel discussions, I refuted some Western governments and media outlets’ unsubstantiated criticism over the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong (NSL). I explained to representatives in the meetings that Hong Kong has opened its arms wide to professionals and travelers from around the world. Hong Kong people from various social sectors should strive to speak up for our city in the international community.

Some Western governments and media outlets have embraced misconceptions and prejudiced views on the implementation of the NSL. As I mentioned in the Council’s panel meetings, can we imagine any place in the world without a national security law? That was Hong Kong from 1997 to 2019. Hong Kong failed to legislate its own national security laws, and that led to the anti-government riots in 2019, which were longer and more violent than the United Kingdom’s recent riots. After the NSL was enacted by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in June 2020, Hong Kong swiftly restored peace and stability. Residents’ rights and freedoms are well-protected as people living in Hong Kong, regardless of their political views, skin color, racial background or dialect, will not be in danger of being assaulted by rioters anymore. Under the principle of “one country, two systems” and support of the central government, Hong Kong has preserved its capitalist system, free economy, common law system, and judicial independence. By virtue of the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s judges handle all cases, including national security cases, without fear or favor, and are free from outside interference.  

READ MORE: SAR govt opposes foreign interference in HK’s legal process

It is outrageous that the US government has resorted to all available means to contain the development of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and attempted to tarnish our city’s reputation. Earlier this month, the US issued a business advisory, warning about the “risks” for businesses operating in Hong Kong because of the NSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), claiming that it could pose risks for businesses and individuals to engage in routine activities, such as lobbying to influence government decision-making, conducting market analysis or research that relies on government data, publishing analysis or commentary through the media, NGOs, think tanks, and others. I have worked in think tanks and policy research projects for many years. Since the NSL was implemented, I have seen absolutely no restrictions and risks in lobbying to government, conducting market analysis or research based on government data at all. My work in think tanks has demonstrated that lobbying, conducting market analysis or research have not been affected under the national security regime.

During my participation in the UN Human Rights Council’s panel meetings, the US House of Representatives passed the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act, seeking the closure of the HKETOs, a move that will also harm the interests of American businesses in Hong Kong. The bill empowers the US government to close the three trade offices of Hong Kong in the US, if it is passed in the Senate and signed into law by President Biden. The US registered a cumulative trade surplus of over $270 billion with Hong Kong in the past 10 years. More than 9,000 Chinese mainland and overseas companies were operating in Hong Kong last year. Among them, over 1,270 are from the US. If the bill comes into law, it will deal a heavy blow to the interests of American businesses in the city.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong has opened its arms to professionals from around the world. Under the Top Talent Pass Scheme launched in late 2022, graduates from the world’s top 100 universities, and high-income earners qualify for visas to Hong Kong. So far over 140,000 professionals have chosen Hong Kong as their new home under various talent programs. Recently, the central government also implemented a six-day visa-free transit policy, allowing expatriate visitors to travel around the Chinese mainland before reaching their final destinations. Five-year travel permits are issued to non-Chinese permanent residents in Hong Kong to travel to the mainland for tourism or business. During the Council’s meetings, representatives were amazed that Hong Kong offers decent salaries and very low tax rates. With an income tax ceiling of 15 percent, local workers generally pay income tax of 5 percent to 10 percent.

ALSO READ: US business advisory weaponizes storytelling for cognitive warfare

In addition, Hong Kong has been blessed with its role as a superconnector between the mainland and the rest of the world. Hong Kong will continue to strengthen collaboration and connection with Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries, which is our second-largest trading partner, thereby creating more economic opportunities and fresh impetus. According to the latest Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Ranking in June this year, Hong Kong ranked fifth in global competitiveness.

I am glad that I attended the UN Human Rights Council’s panel meetings to explain  about Hong Kong’s actual situation and development. With the implementation of the NSL and SNSO, Hong Kong has restored stability. Hopefully more Hong Kong residents from different sectors can speak up for our city in other international arenas whenever there is a chance, helping to give the international community a better understanding and the whole picture of Hong Kong’s development.

The author is a member of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and founder and chairman of the One Country Two Systems Youth Forum.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.