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2020 July
Implications of “Two Sessions” Outcome for Hong Kong’s Prospects

At the 2020 NPC & CPPCC Exchange and Sharing Meeting, Tam Yiu-chung, NPC Standing Committee Member, and several of the Chamber’s members who also serve as NPC deputies or CPPCC National Committee members, jointly discussed the key principles and policy directions of this year’s “Two Sessions”, as well as the implications and opportunities for Hong Kong’s future development.
 

 

Tam Yiu-chung: National Security Law Takes Account of Hong Kong’s Reality

Tam Yiu-chung, NPC Standing Committee Member, noted that the enactment of the National Security Law for Hong Kong is not only reasonable and in line with the provisions of the Basic Law, but also fully reflects “One Country, Two Systems”. “The law takes full account of Hong Kong’s reality and demonstrates the Central Government’s trust in the HKSAR. Taking reference from cases in Hong Kong, the penalties under the law are lighter than those in the Mainland.”

 

Tam said that Hong Kongers’ support for the National Security Law is stronger than expected, e.g. over two million people have put their signatures down to express support for the legislation. He explained that the general public wanted society to return to stability as soon as possible after the turmoil of the past year. Therefore, it can be said that the Central Government’s intervention is what the people want.

 

Tam believes that the smaller-than-expected opposition is because the legislative arrangements of the National Security Law for Hong Kong are reasonable and fair, and all the public objections or concerns can actually be explained clearly. “A case in point is the appointment of judges to hear cases. It is broadly the same as the current practice. Moreover, the ‘national security adviser’ appointed by the Central Government is responsible for providing opinions for the HKSAR’s reference and will never override it.” Tam hopes that the HKSAR Government will step up publicity efforts so that the National Security Law can be implemented more effectively.

 

 

Jonathan Choi: Committee Members Pragmatically Discuss Government Affairs and the Country Moves Forward Steadily

Jonathan Choi, the Chamber’s Chairman and CPPCC National Standing Committee Member, believes that this year’s “Two Sessions” had introduced many commendable new initiatives. For example, under closed management, members did not need to consider appointments and entertainment. CPPCC National Committee Chairman Wang Yang’s presentation of the work report was concise, with the details clearly set out in a document. Choi noted that this is a good thing.

 

Choi added that the Central Government was increasingly demanding of the committee members, requiring them to prepare performance reports and use mobile platforms to read numerous materials. In addition, Wang also asked the committee members to participate in reading activities and share their understanding of what they read.

 

The deliberation and voting on the National Security Law for Hong Kong was a major focus. Choi noted that the Central Government treated the matter seriously and repeatedly appointed government officials to speak about it. After that, he visited the ambassadors of several countries to explain to them the necessity of enacting the National Security Law for Hong Kong from the perspective of the Hong Kong business community. Choi agreed with the country for not setting a specific target for GDP growth this year. In his view, the Government should support businesses, invest in new infrastructures, and drive innovative upgrading and transformation. Externally, he believes that the Government should continue to keep foreign trade open and actively seek new markets. Choi also specifically mentioned the new developments of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle and the Hainan Free Trade Port and called on local businesses to take note.

 

 

Connie Wong: Postponement and Resumption Indicate Decisiveness; Rule of Law is Improving

Amid the pandemic, Connie Wong, the Chamber’s Vice-chairman, Deputy Director of the Committee for Handling Proposals of the CPPCC National Committee and CPPCC National Committee Member, was very impressed by this year’s “Two Sessions” in terms of response and rule of law reform.

 

In Wong’s view, the decisive postponement and resumption of this year’s “Two Sessions” had taken into account progress of both government affairs and pandemic control. She pointed to the country’s unwavering commitment to the goal of poverty alleviation. She also mentioned the moving deeds of doctors and nurses leaving their home during the Chinese New Year period to help fight against the pandemic in the past few months, and it is worth taking this opportunity to “tell a good story about China”.

 

Wong praised the country’s improving rule of law and the adoption of the Civil Code reflects that there are now laws for people to follow. At the same time, the National Security Law shows that the country cares for and acts in the interests of Hong Kong. She called on all sectors of Hong Kong society to do their utmost to convey the right message.

 

 

Tommy Li: The Country Puts the People First

At this year’s “Two Sessions”, Tommy Li, the Chamber’s Vice-chairman and NPC Deputy, could feel deeply that the country puts the people first. “The country sent over 40,000 health-care workers to Wuhan after the onset of the outbreak there although there were only 80,000 or so confirmed cases nationwide at that time, which shows the determination of the country. ”

 

In addition, Li fully felt that the country has an open mind to listen to opinions. For example, the NPC deputies would participate in group discussions after listening to the Government’s work report. The opinions expressed by them would then be organized in the form of presentations the following day. For those government officials who could not be present at the sessions due to the pandemic, they were still able to answer questions via live video streaming or reply the next day. “This shows that the country listens to people’s opinions with an open mind and is by no means monocratic.”

 

 

Herman Hu: The Country’s Governance is Increasingly Open and Transparent

Due to the pandemic, this year’s “Two Sessions” were the shortest since reform and opening-up. Herman Hu, the Chamber’s Vice-chairman and NPC Deputy, believes that the format of this year’s sessions was innovative, where the leadership focused only on the key points, thus shortening the time.

 

In Hu’s view, the number of votes cast at the NPC were all very clear for everyone to see, which highlights the country’s increasingly open and transparent governance, “How much public support and opposition can be seen from the votes cast. A total of 2,878 votes were cast in favour of the National Security Law, with only one vote against and six abstentions, which shows the stance of 1.4 billion people across the country to the law.” Hu also mentioned that the NPC voted to adopt the country’s first-ever civil code, ushering China into an era of legal innovation, which deserves more of everyone’s attention.

 

 

Rock Chen: Fruitful Results in Poverty Alleviation; National Security Law Respects “One Country, Two Systems”

Rock Chen, the Chamber’s Vice-chairman and CPPCC National Committee Member, believes that the central leadership remains determined to reach the target of ending all poverty in China by the end of this year despite the obstacles due to the pandemic. This is a daunting task and a considerable test of its wisdom and courage. Chen said that the country’s achievements in poverty alleviation are very remarkable. He looks forward to Premier Li Keqiang presenting the fruitful results of completely building a well-off society to the world during next year’s “Two Sessions”.

 

As for Hong Kong, he noted that the content of the draft for the National Security Law for Hong Kong is in line with the Basic Law without any amendment, replacement or exclusion. This shows that the country has confidence in and respect for Hong Kong and values “One Country, Two Systems.”

 

 

David Fong: Anti-epidemic Testing Reflects the Country’s Care for People’s Well-being

David Fong, the Chamber’s Life Honorary Chairman and CPPCC National Committee Member, noted that the country did not set economic growth targets this year. Instead, it stressed “Six Stabilities” and “Six Priorities”, indicating that the country is open to reporting both good and bad news. Such a practical and realistic attitude is commendable.

 

Fong added that the country has focused on institutional improvements in recent years, resulting in its dramatically higher standards of governance, which enabled it to make historical achievements. Hence, he believes that there is a huge space for Hong Kong to follow the country’s pace of development in the future. Citing the country’s continued deepening of healthcare reforms and handling of COVID-19 testing as examples, he noted that China is more concerned about people’s well-being than the United States.

 

 

Martin Liao: Concerns about the National Security Law are Unfounded

Martin Liao, the Chamber’s Standing Committee Member and NPC Deputy, said that there were public concerns when the draft for the National Security Law first came to light, “Do judges have enough experience to deal with national security issues and do they need training? And is this law understood and interpreted based on common law or civil law? These concerns do exist.”

 

However, after reading the relevant explanations given by the country, Liao felt that the above concerns were groundless. Actually, the Central Government has taken into account a variety of factors and made very effective and deterrent arrangements for various issues. He also believes that if the law lacks an effective enforcement mechanism, it would not be following the principle of the fourth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee to “establish a sound legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security”. “I believe that the National Security Law for Hong Kong is actually relatively mild. If it needs to be reviewed with regard to enforcement, I am convinced that it can still be improved in the future.”

 

 

Yim Fung: Return of China-concept Stocks Points to Promising Future for Hong Kong

During the “Two Sessions”, President Xi Jinping met with members of the sector of economics and participated in joint meetings to listen to opinions and suggestions. Yim Fung, the Chamber’s Standing Committee Member and CPPCC National Committee Member, believes that this shows the country’s special emphasis on economic development. Due to the Sino-US trade negotiations and the COVID-19 pandemic, Yim is convinced that under the leadership of the country, there will be improvement in the long run, reflecting China’s strong economic resilience and realistic possibility of rapid recovery.

 

With regard to the National Security Law for Hong Kong, Yim believes that it respects “One Country, Two Systems” and its purpose is to ensure Hong Kong’s long-term peace and stability without affecting its financial status. With the return of China-concept stocks, Hong Kong will surely enjoy a prosperous future backed by the Mainland’s powerful economic strength.