CHINA: HONG KONG GETS SOME BLUNT ADVICE

Excerpted courtesy of the South China Morning Post — Visiting state leader , from Beijing,  warned everyone would have to pay the price if Hong Kong became chaotic, in a 20-minute speech to more than 220 representatives from various sectors at the government headquarters this morning.

“We are all in the same boat. If Hong Kong does well, everyone would benefit. If Hong Kong becomes chaotic, everyone has to ‘mai dan’,” said Zhang, using the Cantonese term for footing the bill.

The state leader, who chairs the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, called on Hongkongers to support Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his administration, stressing they were elected in accordance with the Basic Law and appointed by the central government.

Zhang said the effective functioning of the SAR government was important for the stability and economic development of the city, as well as the improvement of the people’s livelihood: “In the interest of the country, in the interest of Hong Kong … we must stick to the one country, two systems principle, we must stick to the Basic Law.” He added that Hong Kong must focus on developing its economy, as that was the reason the city was well known. The state leader noted that Hong Kong’s economic success was due to its access to the large mainland market.

Zhang reiterated that abiding by the one country, two systems principle and the Basic Law was the best way forward for the city while dismissing calls for self-determination and independence as unfeasible.

“In the interest of the country, in the interest of Hong Kong, particularly the fundamental interests of the 7.3 million residents in Hong Kong, we must stick to the one country, two systems principle, we must stick to the Basic Law,” the state leader said.

Tsang Hin-chi, a former deputy to the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said: “Zhang acknowledged what Hong Kong has achieved, and said more cooperation is needed between the central government and different sectors in the city.

“He also hoped that Hong Kong … can unite and work together for the city’s development.”

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