In his keynote speech marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China, President Xi Jinping called on the people of Hong Kong to join the great journey of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
The exciting adventure needs the participation of the young people. Hong Kong’s young people, an integral and outstanding part of the Chinese youth, should not be left out.
Hong Kong belongs to China, and of course, the world. As an international metropolis, the city is a gateway connecting the East and West. However, due to historical and political reasons, some of the city’s young people have not developed a complete and just sense of national identity. They are confused and caught up in a painful struggle of who we are. Misled by ill-minded politicians, this resulted in destructive social movements in the city.
The central government had to take measures to effectively enforce the “patriots administering Hong Kong” precept, sweeping out those disruptive forces. Now it is high time to help young people in Hong Kong build their national identity.
This is a serious issue, and we must do well with all feasible approaches. However, orthodox school and social education policies, though already in place, are not enough. Youngsters may have learnt the concept of patriotism, but they also need to feel the pulse. That’s why Hong Kong should use the nation’s soft power to push forward the cause.
Starting small. Patriotism is a huge word. But breaking it down to the fundamentals, people love their country first because they love their lives. We also feel the intimacy with our compatriots, first due to our similar lifestyles.
The Chinese mainland now has some of the most advanced lifestyles in the world. If the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government can lay the groundwork for the city’s youth to try such lifestyles, they will get firsthand experience of how the country develops. And I believe imperceptibly that will strengthen their sense of national identity.
For example, recent years have seen the explosive development of the entertainment industry on the Chinese mainland. World-leading technologies, big-name stars, and attractive themes have attracted audiences of hundreds of millions not only on the mainland but also from overseas. Besides those appealing features, it is a perfect platform for people outside to learn more about the modern-day Chinese society, about how it develops, operates and how people live and think.
The Hong Kong SAR government could take the initiative to purchase the broadcasting rights of the most-viewed mainland shows, TV series and movies, and air them on Hong Kong’s television channels. Or it can set up a cooperation platform, which may even include subsidies, for local broadcasters to negotiate good deals with mainland counterparts. That would definitely help build closer bonds between Hong Kong youth and the country, in a much softer and more enjoyable way.
Similar items like e-payments and e-games will also likely have such an impact.
Mobile payments, now an essential part of mainland residents’ daily lives, are still far from universal in Hong Kong right now. According to government statistics, 70 percent of the 6.3 million eligible residents still chose to collect consumption vouchers via their Octopus cards, the traditional Hong Kong payment method.
However, e-payments are not simply just a payment but a whole new update on the modern lifestyle. Public services, healthcare, transport, shopping, financing, etc., will all be transformed to a new level. With such a more convenient lifestyle popularized, mostly among young people, I believe the society would establish a sense of closeness with the country as a whole.
What about electronic games? It’s not only a favorite pastime but a lifestyle that all youth in the world share. I also play e-games. During the experience I have found that though young people from different places have different perspectives or value systems, they can play together, form teams together, enjoy accomplishments together and face defeats together. Whether you are from Hong Kong, the mainland, Macao or Taiwan, we can be friends and feel we are the same people.
China is growing into a world-leading technology-driven nation, and many world leading e-games are developed and operated by mainland companies, including Tencent and NetEase. The SAR government can work with these tech giants to develop new games and create platforms for Hong Kong youth to enjoy games with mainland peers, which is also a softer way to help them build up a bond of affection with the country.
The above-mentioned are only a small part of the Chinese mainland’s numerous “attractions” to youngsters. China has a profound culture, lovely people, beautiful landscapes, a rapidly developing new economy and a thriving national spirit. Those elements are rich sources of “soft power”. We should make good use of that “soft power” to build up Hong Kong youth’s sense of national identity.
Facilitating Hong Kong youth to connect with the mainland’s pop culture and lifestyle will help significantly reduce the psychological distance, which is conducive to developing a stronger sense of nationality and patriotism.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu pledged that his administration will foster youth development. That should not only include providing career opportunities but also guiding young people in the right directions. Only by doing so can we expect a promising future for the youth, for Hong Kong and the country.
I firmly believe when the lifestyles of Hong Kong’s youth come closer to those of the whole country, their hearts will naturally get closer with the country too. And that is the foundation of healthy and stable youth development. And by doing so, I am sure that Hong Kong youth will be much more motivated to join the great journey of the rejuvenation of the nation.
The author is a member of the Guangdong Province Zhongshan City Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and executive vice-chairman of the Hong Kong CPPCC Youth Association.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.