U.S. consul calls for "let Hong Kong do back to Hong Kong", damage autonomy is not good for China: Hong Kong's foundation is shaken

Hanscom Smith, the U.S. consul general in Hong Kong and Macau, attended a think tank event last night (6th) Hong Kong time, saying that Beijing's moves in recent years have undermined Hong Kong's autonomy and warned that it will only harm its own long-term interests.

No one benefits from Hong Kong becoming a mainland city, especially for China

Smoker attended the event of the think tank "Center for International Strategic Studies" (CSIS) through video, and said that "one country, two systems" was a new and unproven concept at the beginning of the return, and the initial operation "seemed normal", but in recent years China The actions of Hong Kong are undermining the autonomy of Hong Kong, and the political environment in Hong Kong has changed.

Citing the US State Department's "Hong Kong Policy Act" report in the past three years, he pointed out that Beijing undermined Hong Kong's democratic system, exerted unprecedented pressure on the judicial system, affected academic, cultural and press freedom, and forced dozens of civil society groups to dissolve. "The consequences of these actions are self-evident."

He pointed out: "Hong Kong becomes another mainland city, which is not good for anyone, especially China." He believes that Hong Kong is unique in that it is the most international city in China, and its past success is based on a high degree of autonomy, compliance with As promised in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, some actions by Beijing and the Hong Kong government in recent years will shake Hong Kong’s old foundations, which will not only affect Hong Kong’s external attractiveness, but also Beijing’s long-term interests: “If the current situation persists, Hong Kong’s role as an international business and trade hub will not be affected. Status will continue to suffer."

Smoker pointed out that if Hong Kong's autonomy is destroyed, the problem of brain drain will become more serious, and some well-educated young people will turn their attention to other places. In addition, Beijing and the Hong Kong government's anti-epidemic policies are too strict, and the early tough "dynamic" will be cleared. "The route has caused many people to be unable to bear it and leave.

He finally appealed to China: "Our key message is simple: let Hong Kong be Hong Kong."

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