Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, is right to ask the business community to stand firm and protect the interests of the city and the nation
National Security Education Day has become an important event in the Hong Kong government’s calendar over the past decade.
Amid intensifying geopolitical tensions fuelled by the much-criticised move by the United States to raise tariffs, Tuesday’s occasion has added significance in Hong Kong’s drive to strengthen public awareness and protection on this front.
This is especially important as the changing global political and economic order has made the outlook increasingly uncertain.
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The tough rhetoric from Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs, Xia Baolong, underlined China’s resolute stance against foreign pressure in the escalating trade war.
Criticising the US move as “extremely arrogant and shameless”, Xia, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said: “The US isn’t after our tariffs – it is after our very survival …
“This makes it clearer to the world that the US cannot tolerate Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and it is the biggest sinister manipulator undermining human rights, freedom, the rule of law, prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.”
The mainland official also warned that “betraying national interests” during critical moments would be denounced. He urged entrepreneurs to take concrete actions to contribute to Hong Kong and mainland China.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the city should be fully prepared for challenges and make good use of its strengths as an international financial centre in the new global order.
With the fifth anniversary of the enactment of the national security law also approaching in June, the education day offers a good occasion for taking stock. Even though the political and social turmoil that resulted in the enactment of the statute may seem like a distant memory, the authorities warned of threats.
Internally, “soft resistance” in some quarters in society remains an issue. Externally, the ongoing trade war shows how foreign forces could try to undermine the country and the city’s well-being through economic and other means.
Amid growing tensions and rivalry, Xia’s remarks have set the tone for the local government. By learning from the painful lessons of history and staying firm against bullying, the city can overcome the current challenges.
Similarly, the need to stay vigilant and guard against national security threats has never been higher as US-China tensions are not going to subside any time soon.
The trade war shows there is more to security than just politics and the military. From food and cybersecurity to overseas interests and space, many of the 20 major fields with security implications are still relatively new concepts to many people. National security protection and education is therefore a long-term task.
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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.
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