Editor's note: A forum themed "One Country, Two Systems: Achievements and Prospects" organized by Bauhinia Culture Group, was held today (June 16). Quentin A Parker, professor in the Faculty of Science at the University of Hong Kong and the director of its Laboratory for Space Research, addressed the event. The following is the script of his speech.
By Quentin A Parker
Honored guests, distinguished speakers,
It is truly an honour and privilege to have the opportunity today to speak and share my views on a topic of profound significance, amazing generosity and magnificent foresight.
I am a mere immigrant to this incredible city, an Australian academic, an internationalist, a space scientist with a strong forensic eye but with with a growing love and appreciation for Hong Kong in all its hussle and bussle, pride, power and performance.
When I arrived in this special place just over 7 years ago I was myself very proud to join a top, global university in HKU. But HKU is but one of several impressive sister universities that bless this city and enable us to ride high among all international university ranking systems. Our capacity, our talent both internal and attracted have enabled HK to be a tertiary education global exemplar punching way, way above its weight in comparison to population. This is no fluke, it encapsulates this cities beating intellectual, creative and entrepreneurial heart with a life-blood of ideas, visions, dreams and motivations that flow out from the gates of academe into HK, the GBA and the world.
All of this growth and realization of potential is set within a system that is without parallel in modern times and indeed much of Hong Kong's achievements, and those of our universities, have happened under this remarkable construction. The one county two systems paradigm, as a living principle, embodies, for me, a novel, pragmatic and stable path for the future. I remain in awe of its scope, ambition and, yes humanity. I do not believe any other colonized country would have been permitted to carry on in much the same way when the mother country regained a lost pearl. Most would likely have played hard-ball and perhaps gone "all in" from the inevitable moment of handover. This was not the case for Hong Kong in the negotiated outcome (and indeed for Macau). Indeed it is unprecedented in modern history as an enactment of pragmatic politics writ large on the grandest global canvas.
It speaks of respect for peoples way of life, it points to a realistic and sensible appreciation and understanding of preserving our unique value and developing it further.
I anticipated this might be on the cards as a keen observer of geopolitics and for those that have an eye and predilection for more long-term strategic thinking. It makes perfect sense and dovetails with what some more observant sinologists said: "The Americans (and I would add Europeans) plan ahead of the next election cycle; whereas the Chinese plan in century terms."
I have often been dismayed by the short-termism exhibited by many countries and have always admired the French for often taking longer-term views of what is in their national interest (and its not just because my wife is French). This is compared to some other countries I could mention. China excels in this strategy and despite regular, 5-year plans, a longer-term vision and approach for the country are always still evident. It seems to me that "Patience, Prudence and Pragmatism" are a key part of the embodiment of China and that these are the three things that speak volumes about intent and action going forward, as is clearly the case here for Hong Kong SAR.
I believe peace, harmony and social stability are at the heart of this – an unchanged, core philosophy for centuries in China. This is regardless of whatever emperor or president, empire or republic is at the helm. Indeed, there are pervasive and respectful elements of Chinese culture that have endured for 5000 years - now that really is long-term thinking!
These emblematic, societal indicators have, after an unsettled period, come back to the fore. Such cultural anchors when combined with a flexible approach have enabled China to emerge as the powerful middle kingdom it has always had the potential to become. This is with a unique combination of Eastern and Western thinking and pragmatic seizing of opportunity that places dim-sum restaurants next to Starbucks and Gucci next to Shanghai Tang in gleaming, modern cities across China. These are connected together by the fastest and most extensive high-speed train network ever built. Indeed, we have our own connection right here in Hong Kong West Kowloon that I have used many times – modern, sleek, efficient and comfortable with an almost plane like feel inside. So this is but one aspect of modern China. It is a China that boasts top international companies while simultaneously creating its own iconic brands. A China that has opened up to hosting global talent while at the same time sending some of its best and brightest overseas to the great universities and enterprises in the West. Hundreds of thousands of young Chinese venture forth to learn, exchange and, one hopes, enrich upon return. It is here where friendships, cultural exchanges and diverse opinions can build and foster trust for the better future of us all.
This is what is sorely needed here I believe. Trust. Trust from the people of Hong Kong in Mainland intent towards us. An intent that I believe is actually full of opportunity, as a key and integral part of the exciting and prosperous Greater Bay Area and one that strongly beckons our young generation. An intent that I believe is inherently generous (one only has to see the amazing support that has come in from the mainland to help us overcome the Covid 5th wave) and perhaps surprising to many, actually committed to protecting us and our way of life. This is just like other parts of China that are so full of cultural variety, diversity and richness. Only with trust can suspicions and fears, that have had too much traction of late, be replaced with hope and positive expectation.
To achieve this, it is not so much fine words that matter but deeds. Action that can be seen, felt and lived. This is what will matter to the people of Hong Kong and why this announcement is so important. It is the promise of the future with no time limit.
Indeed, the 25-year anniversary is up in July and yet the 2047 date has been playing heavily on the minds of many in HK SAR. It is being weaponized by some to sow dismay, discord and discontent.
However, I believe the announcement of the longevity of this remarkable system has the potential to address these issues head-on and give the Hong-Kong people the confidence and security they crave to plan long-term. It will deliver trust that their locally enacted Basic Law will be upheld rigorously and their way of life, traditions and status protected robustly under law. This cannot be more important. For me this could result in a tectonic shift in mainstream thinking as the rug gets pulled out from under the feet of all those negative arguments about the encroaching, awaiting future that is seen as unwelcome and threatening.
I believe Hong Kong is the most amazing city I have ever had the good fortune to live in. The people are industrious, ambitious, global and connected but also recently worried and concerned about their society, the pandemic and their futures.
Sure, there have been teething problems and concerns about the National Security Law but perhaps more with its zealous implementation than its intent. I believe it is there to provide protection, certainty, stability and security from the recent social unrest and to preserve that very way of life so many hold dear and without unfettered control of undue, malign external influences.
So actions speak louder than words.
Nothing in this world is ever perfect but with proper intent demonstrated, real trust can be built through unwavering adherence to and protection of the Basic Law – our mini constitution. Only then can the 2047 date be seen not as a threat, not something to be feared but just as another year of progress in Hong Kong as a unique global city. A city that is strong, outward-looking and confident. A Hong Kong built on trust in the rule of law and our abilities and security under enduring respect for the two systems operating under one sovereign nation.
(Source: Bauhinia Culture Group)
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