Tuesday (Sept. 28) marks the formation of a new influencer coalition in Hong Kong called "China Retold." Though from various backgrounds, a group of promising youths in the HKSAR join hands with one another, sharing a common goal, that is to tell China's stories well.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed improving the country's capacity for engaging in international communication to present a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China.
In recent years, foreign media and politicians have made baseless accusations about the situation in HK and Xinjiang, only to achieve their political goals.
In view of the international public opinion situation and in response to President Xi's call, five convenors - Dominic Lee, Nixie Lam, Joephy Chan, Jeremy Young and Annie Cheung - decided to launch the "China Retold" KOL coalition, to speak out in English on various social media platforms and mainstream media to deliver the authentic Chinese stories.
Dominic Lee, vice-chairperson of the Hong Kong Association of Young Commentators, and one convenor of China Retold said at a launch event Wednesday that after the enactment of the National Security Law in HK and the electoral revamp, local public opinions have been gradually pacified, and the city has finally begun to see its past stability and prosperity.
"We hope to bring together patriots of different backgrounds, professions and ages, to speak out for HK and our motherland to an international audience," he said.
Joephy Chan, a community organizer of the HK Federation of Trade Unions and also a convenor of the coalition, said that unlike those from the opposition camp who colluded with foreign elements to slander HK, the alliance will strive to construct China's own discourse and narrative from the perspective of HKSAR citizens.
Nixie Lam, member of the Election Committee and convenor of China Retold, said that as patriots in the SAR, she feels obliged to reveal the truth and properly convey China's stories.
"Those who tell lies speak so loudly, we who tell the truth cannot remain silent. We must voice out against the slandering and injustice, " she said.
Jeremy Young, HK District Councilor and convenor of the coalition, indicated that HK has long been used as a tool by Western countries to suppress China.
"In the face of the long-standing double standards of the West, I feel an urge to speak out the truth and set the records right," he said.
Other members of the coalition, including Jonathan Chow, Calvin Tang, Judy Chan, Jacky Lee and Charles Ng, expressed confidence in HK's future and their determination to become good storytellers.
A number of members from the coalition have been voicing out at various platforms to reveal the truth amid smears. Notably, Dominic Lee, Joephy Chan and Nixie Lam, among others, all spoke at UN Human Rights Council events from March to September this year to unveil the real picture of HK.
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