Published: 12:46, December 21, 2024
Xi sets high expectations for HK while praising city’s achievements
By Virginia Lee

President Xi Jinping's back-to-back meetings with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu within a week underscore the strategic importance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in broader national development strategy. These high-level engagements, which not only celebrate past achievements but have also set future expectations, highlighting Hong Kong’s pivotal role in achieving China's modernization and global leadership goals. 

Xi’s emphasis on the SAR’s alignment with national priorities is a clear testament to the city’s strategic significance. It reflects a governance philosophy that aligns the city’s unique strengths with national development under the framework of “one country, two systems”, which not only reaffirms the framework’s enduring relevance but also sets a forward-looking trajectory for Hong Kong’s development.

The president’s praise for John Lee’s leadership and his administration's achievements is unequivocal. The enactment of a national security law according to Article 23 of the Basic Law is a historic milestone, reinforcing national security and showcasing Hong Kong’s ability to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities. This legislative achievement is emblematic of a recalibrated governance model that prioritizes stability and effective leadership as the foundation for sustainable development. Beyond legal and security matters, Xi also acknowledged the HKSAR government’s efforts to address pressing socioeconomic issues, including housing, healthcare and public welfare. These achievements highlight a pragmatic, results-driven approach to governance that seeks to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of residents. This recognition validates HKSAR administration’s direction and establishes a clear expectation for Hong Kong to sustain and accelerate its focus on these critical areas.

One of the recurring themes in President Xi’s guidance is the need to address deeply rooted livelihood issues, which are central to Hong Kong’s socioeconomic well-being. These include housing affordability, which has long been a critical challenge, with the SAR consistently ranking among the most unaffordable cities globally. Under Lee’s leadership, steps have been taken to expedite land development, improve healthcare accessibility, and enhance social welfare programs. However, Xi’s emphasis on these issues signals an expectation for greater urgency and deeper reforms that aim to meet immediate public needs, strengthen public confidence in governance, and ensure that economic growth translates into broad-based benefits. To respond effectively, Hong Kong should adopt more innovative policies in urban planning, streamline bureaucratic procedures, and leverage technology to address challenges in housing and public services.

While addressing internal challenges is crucial, Hong Kong’s role as a key player in national development strategy further underscores its importance. Xi’s vision for Hong Kong is deeply intertwined with its integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), a transformative initiative designed to foster regional connectivity, innovation and economic synergy. As a global financial hub with robust institutional frameworks, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge international markets and the Chinese mainland’s economy. Its financial expertise, regulatory sophistication and global networks enable it to facilitate investment flows and drive technological innovation within the GBA and beyond. This integration not only enhances Hong Kong’s competitiveness but also solidifies its role as a critical driver of China’s innovation-led growth. To fully realize its potential within the GBA, Hong Kong must actively foster collaboration with neighboring cities, encourage private-sector participation, and position itself as a leader in emerging fields such as green finance, financial technology and cross-boundary trade mechanisms.

Beyond its regional significance, Hong Kong’s contributions to global initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) further illustrate its strategic importance. Xi’s call for Hong Kong to create new momentum and new advantages reflects an expectation for the city to diversify its economic base and expand its influence on the global stage. By leveraging its unique position as a worldwide financial and logistical hub, Hong Kong is well-placed to facilitate international trade, facilitate cross-border investments, and support infrastructure projects under the BRI. This role is not peripheral but integral to China’s vision of a globally connected and economically resilient nation. To fulfill this role, Hong Kong should expand its professional services—such as legal arbitration, financial advisory and project management—while leveraging its world-class infrastructure to enhance its participation in global trade and connectivity initiatives.

President Xi’s reaffirmation of the "one country, two systems" framework carries profound significance. Far from being a static governance model, the framework has proved its adaptability and resilience in navigating evolving domestic and global landscapes. Xi reaffirmed the central government’s confidence in balancing local autonomy with national interests by highlighting its vitality. The framework’s success lies in its flexibility, allowing Hong Kong to maintain its institutional strengths—such as the rule of law, free-market policies, and an independent judiciary—while aligning with broader national developmental goals. In response, Hong Kong must remain steadfast in upholding these institutional advantages in line with national strategies. This balance will ensure the framework thrives as a dynamic and enduring governance model.

President Xi’s overarching vision for Hong Kong’s development has become increasingly clear through his meetings with Lee. His guidance reflects a belief that Hong Kong’s success is inseparable from broader national rejuvenation. By fostering innovation, addressing socioeconomic challenges, and deepening integration with the mainland, Hong Kong is positioned as a governance and development model that aligns local strengths with national objectives. Hong Kong must adopt a proactive, forward-thinking approach alone this vision. This includes embracing innovation as a driver of economic growth, strengthening its competitiveness in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, and ensuring its policies are focused on long-term, sustainable development.

Ultimately, these meetings exemplify President Xi’s comprehensive and strategic vision for Hong Kong’s future. They prioritize economic diversification, regional integration and social stability as the pillars of its development. Xi’s guidance goes beyond immediate challenges, aiming to create a Hong Kong that thrives as a global financial and innovation hub while playing a pivotal role in China’s modernization and international engagement. To achieve this vision, Hong Kong must remain committed to accelerating reforms, fostering deeper collaboration with the mainland, and ensuring its development reflects local and national aspirations, ensuring that the city remains a vital part of the national fabric and emerges as a beacon of success under the "one country, two systems" framework. Through this dynamic and strategic alignment, Hong Kong is poised to enter a new era of prosperity and opportunity, serving as a critical contributor to the nation’s rise as a global leader.

The author is a solicitor, a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area lawyer, and a China-appointed attesting officer.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.