Hong Kong needs "re-enlightenment"

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Hong Kong needs "re-enlightenment" to give citizens a better understanding of "one country, two systems", a top Beijing official said yesterday in remarks seen as signalling a harder line on the city's affairs.

And Zhang Rongshun, vice-chairman of the legislative affairs commission under the National People's Congress Standing Committee, also spoke of switching from stressing the status quo to exploring how the "one country, two systems" principle could "evolve".

His remarks came at a conference of the semi-official Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, a think tank created last year. Association chairman Chen Zuoer also spoke at the meeting of 140 scholars in Shenzhen. He urged Hongkongers to "reflect deeply" on how to contribute to the nation's security and other interests.

NPC Standing Committee member Zhang Rongshun says Hong Kong and Macau need 're-enlightenment' on 'one country, two systems' and national identity after Occupy. Photo: XinhuaThe high-profile pair's remarks were taken as a hint at Beijing's approach in the wake of Occupy Central and sparked warnings from democracy campaigners of more confrontation.

"It seems that some people [in Hong Kong] still cannot find an identity with the country," Zhang said. "There is a need to have a re-enlightenment about the 'one country, two systems' principle and national identity."

The problem with the principle, he added, was a lack of "development". "Now we should encourage further development, set a visible goal after reaching consensus so the 'one country, two systems' principle can further evolve," Zhang said.

Chen Zuoer, chairman of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies. Photo: K.Y. ChengHong Kong academic Professor Lau Siu-kai, a vice-chairman of the association, said relations between Hong Kong and Beijing had been hurt by the protests, which Beijing saw as being supported by "foreign forces" keen to hinder China's development.

"Beijing will probably adjust its policy on Hong Kong, especially on how to stress its authority" over the city, said Lau, a former head of the Hong Kong government's Central Policy Unit.

Chen, former deputy director of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, said the city should "learn" from the protests, adding: "There is a need to have a deep reflection on how Hong Kong can play a role in protecting the country's sovereignty and interest."SCMP