'HK shines despite the doubters'

Hong Kong's prosperity cannot be belittled by criticisms, and for those who do not want the city to thrive it is time for them to whine, says Xia Baolong, Beijing's top official on Hong Kong affairs.

Delivering a keynote speech at the National Security Education Day opening ceremony via video link from Beijing, Xia yesterday said around 25 strategic corporations have set up headquarters in Hong Kong after the enactment of Basic Law Article 23 last month.

"Multiple international mega financial and cultural events are being held in the city, and top financial institutions and business elites all are flocking to Hong Kong to take part in the events, as the domestic national security law is to protect their freedom," Xia said. He added that this "shows that they are casting a vote of confidence in Hong Kong."

This proves that Hong Kong is still the place with the best business environment around the globe, and the place to start a business, make money and realize their dreams, Xia said.

"Hong Kong is the sun in the universe, no clouds can ever stop it from shining. Hong Kong's prosperity cannot be slandered by a few passages and few criticisms," he added.

"It is time to whine for those who do not want Hong Kong to thrive. Hong Kong's future is destined to be glorious."

Xia also said Beijing will not change its stance in implementing the one country, two systems principle in Hong Kong.

"It has not been changed, is not being changed, and it will not be necessary to change it," he said.

"No matter what hardship Hong Kong is enduring, the support from the motherland will only be stepped up, but not reduced."

He added that more policies benefiting Hong Kong are in the pipeline and will be announced one after another.

Xia also said the country has been targeting high-quality development and fully advancing "a Chinese path to modernization," and that the mainland's development has gone through many obstacles before reaching its level today.

"China did not collapse after speculations said China would collapse. China will also not peak out after speculations said China is going to peak out, and the country will also not stop [manufacturing] after speculations said China will have excess capacity.

"China's development prospects are extremely bright, and a strong and prosperous China is the biggest backing of Hong Kong."

Xia said the successful legislation of the city's domestic national security law, which marks an important milestone, means that Hong Kong has already bid farewell to the days when there was no defense against security threats.

"Hong Kong can also bid farewell to political confrontations and fully concentrate on boosting the economy and seeking development."

He said the Hong Kong government is operating under a high efficiency.

"Hong Kong is now at a new start. All sectors within society should aim at constructing a better Hong Kong and let all citizens live an even better life, which is also the biggest consensus and hope within Hong Kong society.

"Hong Kong [people] should start rolling up their sleeves and turn over a new page for Hong Kong."

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com