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South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
A July 1 with much to celebrate for both Hong Kong and the nation
What sets July 1 apart forever in Hong Kong is that rainy day in 1997 when China resumed sovereignty over the city after more than 100 years of British rule. The 28th anniversary may not be quite comparable with the landmark 20th or 30th, but in its own right, the day marks a defining event in the city's eventful history as it takes a further step in its continuous journey to showcase the success of the 'one country, two systems' governing principle. This year, a frisson of anticipation sets it apart. The People's Liberation Army's carrier fleet is coming to town . The aircraft carrier Shandong and three escorts are not due to anchor until Thursday, but they have generated a wave of patriotic excitement even before the July 1 anniversary. Hongkongers – known for their enthusiasm for People's Liberation Army open days – snapped up the first batch of tickets for an inside look at the Shandong in less than a minute . A total of 10,000 tickets, with 2,000 designated for the aircraft carrier and 8,000 for two other vessels – the Zhangjian missile destroyer and the Yuncheng missile frigate – were up for grabs. Showing the flag at home and abroad on goodwill cruises is an important peacetime mission of great naval fleets. It also reinforces patriotic education at home. In that regard, long may Hong Kong host the Chinese navy on this proud day. Friendly naval visits also serve to demonstrate China's military modernisation and capability to safeguard national sovereignty. In this space one year ago, we predicted that US-China tensions would continue after a presidential election campaign that fanned geopolitical uncertainty. President Donald Trump's ensuing tariff war has done nothing for Hong Kong's post-pandemic recovery.
South China Morning Post
23-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Contrary to naysayers, Hong Kong's national security law is working well
With the enactment of Hong Kong's national security law on June 30, 2020, acts of collusion with foreign countries to endanger national security, secession, subversion and terrorist activity were criminalised. As discussed at a recent forum to mark the law's fifth anniversary , the 'one country, two systems' policy has operated smoothly since. The national security law has been applied throughout with great restraint by the authorities, with prosecutions only resulting when absolutely necessary. Between July 1, 2020 and May 1, 2025, 185 people and five companies were prosecuted for offences in connection with endangering national security, including under the national security law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance passed last year and the now-repealed sedition offence under the Crimes Ordinance. About 170 people and one company have finished court proceedings, with most defendants convicted. These figures give the lie to foreign claims that thousands have been indicted. Moreover, the conviction rate of over 95 per cent in national security trials shows great care is being taken in investigating these cases and prosecuting them. As elsewhere in the common law world, the courts can only convict defendants if satisfied of their guilt beyond reasonable doubt; the conviction rate illustrates the strength of the cases they have tried. As the national security law contains new procedures, there were concerns over how these could be integrated into the legal system. However, the courts have sensibly interpreted the national security law in ways that are equitable and realistic.
South China Morning Post
07-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Cooperation with new liaison office chief key in challenging times
A good relationship with the central government is of paramount importance as Hong Kong charts a new direction under the governance model of 'one country, two systems'. The appointment of Zhou Ji as the latest director of the liaison office marks another stage for both sides to cultivate closer communication and cooperation in accordance with principles laid out under the Basic Law, which is essential if the city is to maximise its potential and achieve more under the new national development framework. Zhou is the third Beijing envoy in five years. The former executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) has replaced Zheng Yanxiong, who succeeded Luo Huining after the former provincial party leader of Shanxi finished his three-year stint at the liaison office in 2023. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said he was confident the new director would lead the liaison office in its continued cooperation with the Hong Kong government on promoting the city's proactive alignment with national strategies, creating fresh momentum and advantages for economic development, encouraging transition from stability to prosperity through innovation and invention, and making a further contribution to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Lee also praised Zheng for upholding the one country, two systems principle in safeguarding national security and maintaining constitutional order. Zhou wasted no time in his new role, having met Lee twice and reached out to local groups and residents over the past few days. Lee said the district visits underlined the importance attached to people's livelihoods and the revamped district administration. His exchange with Zhou had also helped maintain good communication with Beijing and formulate good policies. For his part, Zhou stressed the chief executive and his team bear primary responsibility for the city's governance, in a welcome assurance over its 'high degree of autonomy' and the principle of 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong'. Zhou had rich experience in handling economic and livelihood issues when he served in Hubei and Henan. His connections with the HKMAO and knowledge of city affairs also make him an ideal choice.
South China Morning Post
03-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's John Lee cites ‘good understanding' in meetings with new liaison chief
Hong Kong's leader has attributed his two meetings with Beijing's newly appointed liaison office chief within three days to the need to maintain good communication and understanding with the central government, so he can reflect the city's situation accurately and formulate good policies. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Tuesday described Zhou Ji, the new liaison office director, as a 'humble and pragmatic' official, noting that the latter cared about Hong Kong and attached importance to people's livelihoods and district governance, as shown by a community visit he made on the weekend. Lee also highlighted that Zhou held the interests of the city close to his heart and was a staunch supporter of the correct and faithful implementation of the 'one country, two systems' principle. Zhou, who succeeded Zheng Yanxiong on Friday as the liaison office chief and adviser to the city's national security committee, met Lee at Government House on Saturday. On Sunday , he made his first public appearance with visits to a Kowloon Women's Organisations Federation centre at Fu Cheong Estate in Sham Shui Po and Cheung Hang Community Hall in Tsing Yi, where he met residents and volunteers of a community care team, which had set up booths for free health checks.
South China Morning Post
02-06-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong leader and administration are ‘masters' of city: liaison office chief
The leader of Hong Kong and his administration bear primary responsibility for the city's governance, the new head of the liaison office has said, while pledging to fully support local development during the second meeting between the two officials in three days. Zhou Ji, who was appointed as director of the central government's liaison office on Friday, met Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday morning at its building in Sai Wan, according to an official statement. They previously met at Government House on Saturday. 'The chief executive and the city's government are the masters of Hong Kong and bear primary responsibility for its governance,' Zhou was quoted as saying in the liaison office statement. 'I will fulfil my duties according to law and fully support Hong Kong in achieving better development. Liaison office Director Zhou Ji visits a community hall in Tsing Yi. Photo: Hong Kong liaison office Zhou also highlighted during the meeting that the liaison office would 'fully, accurately and unswervingly' implement the 'one country, two systems' governing principle and the policy of 'patriots administering Hong Kong'.
