Hong Kong should see its cup as half full
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Global Times, July 1, 2011
Since its handover to China on July 1, 1997, Hong Kong has undergone ups and downs.
While celebrating the 14th anniversary of its return, it is worth listening to Hong Kong residents' complaints about the changes to their lives. But we have the confidence to believe that Hong Kong has remained a success story after 1997.
The Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies on Tuesday released the results of its recent poll on how local citizens view the condition of Hong Kong today. Over half of respondents said that it was worse now than before the handover.
As the special administrative regions grow closer to the mainland, Hong Kongers have become upset at the burgeoning number of mainlanders coming into Hong Kong. They tend to blame them for the shortage of milk powder, inadequate numbers of beds in hospital for pregnant women, and the city's increasing house prices and inflation rates. These complaints are extensively covered by local media.
But Hong Kong residents seem to ignore the other side of the story. For 14 years, the Chinese central government has been endeavoring to promote Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. The former British colony was given autonomy to keep different political system. The central government acted as a powerful force to help Hong Kong overcome the financial crisis. Mainland visitors and investors boost the consumption of Hong Kong and contribute much to the city's GDP.
It is no surprise that when two parties are engaged in a close relationship, they suffer from quarrels or conflicts, especially in the beginning. Similarly, with Hong Kong and the mainland getting closer than ever, there may be uneasiness and a time of adjustment. But this will only be temporary.
It may be frustrating for mainlanders to see Hong Kongers confused about their identity.
A recent survey by Hong Kong University revealed that 44 percent of citizens in Hong Kong recognize themselves as Hong Kongers and 23 percent as Chinese.
On one hand, Hong Kong welcomes the vast development opportunities that the mainland brings to it. On the other hand, Hong Kong feels bewildered by the big disparity.
The mainlanders need to be patient for this to change. With the mainland developing and the differences getting smaller, Hong Kongers will eventually see eye-to-eye with the mainlanders.
Hong Kong should be confident to embrace the change. Prejudice may only lead to hostility, and this may confine Hong Kong's development. Further integration will be irresistible for Hong Kong and the mainland. Only with a more open mind can Hong Kong continue to prosper with the rest of the country.
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