Hong Kong businesses have been urged not to betray national interests, Executive Council convener Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said after Beijing's top Hong Kong affairs official Xia Baolong reminded businesses of their patriotic responsibilities during his National Security Education Day address.
In a radio program on Wednesday, Ip interpreted Xia’s speech as containing "serious warnings" for enterprises.
"If entrepreneurs prioritize profits over national interests, it won't end well," Ip said, though she declined to specify which businesses might be targeted by the remarks.
Xia highlighted two patriotic Hong Kong business figures from history: Chuang Shih-ping, who raised the first Chinese flag in Hong Kong under British rule, and Henry Fok Ying-tung, who transported strategic supplies to China during the Korean War despite Western embargoes.
Ip said commercial and national interests align, noting the mainland remains Hong Kong's largest trading partner.
"Developers know which buyers come to Hong Kong, and which strong enterprises attract foreign investment," she said.
While acknowledging some multinational companies might have different perspectives, Ip warned that poor relations with China ultimately prove disadvantageous.
The SAR government continues expanding international partnerships without abandoning traditional Western markets, Ip added, suggesting distinguishing between the Trump administration and American business circles.
"Many US organizations are suing the Trump government," she noted.
Tam Yiu-chung, vice president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, agreed that nongovernmental exchanges with America should continue despite frozen political dialogue.
"There's nothing left to say with US officials," Tam said in another radio program, adding that American businesses also oppose trade wars.
His comments came as the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce prepares for a US visit next week.
Executive Council member Jeffery Lam Kin-fung, representing the chamber, confirmed the trip would proceed, emphasizing that business ties shouldn't be severed.
"American companies are also victims of tariff wars," Lam said, though he acknowledged Hong Kong businesses are diversifying investments in response to US pressure.
Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu distilled three key messages from Xia's address, including remembering historical lessons about security threats, identifying who's suppressing China and Hong Kong, and recognizing how national security enables development.
(Ayra Wang)
