China News Agency, Beijing, July 4 Question: Xu Rongmao: Hong Kong’s National Security Law helps rebuild investor confidence at home and abroad
China News Agency reporter Wu Kan
The "Law of the People's Republic of China on the Maintenance of National Security" was promulgated and implemented recently. In this regard, Xu Rongmao, chairman of the Shimao Group Board of Directors, said in an interview with the China News Service that the Hong Kong National Security Law will help improve the business investment environment and rebuild the confidence of domestic and foreign investors.
"Only when Hong Kong is safer and more stable, domestic and foreign investors can more confidently conduct business in Hong Kong." Xu Rongmao said that Hong Kong's National Security Law complemented Hong Kong's legal loopholes in safeguarding national security and ensured the stability of Hong Kong society as soon as possible.
Xu Rongmao said that since June last year, a series of violent activities in Hong Kong has caused social unrest, market turbulence, uneasy people, and the economic environment has been hit hard. "National security can govern the country, and the country must be governed by law and order. Hong Kong citizens call for a normal life, investors in Hong Kong need a peaceful environment, the country has introduced the Hong Kong National Security Law, and the restoration of Hong Kong's peace and contentment is just around the corner."
Regarding the multiple sanctions recently announced by the United States, Xu Rongmao said, "I believe the so-called sanctions have limited impact. Hong Kong and the United States have maintained mutually beneficial trade relations. If the United States sanctions Hong Kong, the interests of both parties will be equally damaged."
"Hong Kong's status as an international financial center is not granted by the United States, but is widely recognized by the international community." Xu Rongmao believes that the unique advantages of Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" will be better protected after the legislation, which is conducive to Hong Kong's long-term economic development.
Regarding the remarks that Hong Kong’s National Security Law may trigger the withdrawal of foreign capital from Hong Kong, Xu Rongmao said that Hong Kong has not seen a wave of divestments for the time being, and has not heard of businessmen or foreigners in Hong Kong intending to divest. "With the escort of Hong Kong's National Security Law, Hong Kong's market will not be chaotic, and investors' confidence will not be lost."
After the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, there was a wave of disintegration of "Hong Kong independence" organizations. "This fully demonstrates that Hong Kong's National Security Law has played a deterrent role, and'Hong Kong Independence' elements have'ghosts in their hearts', so they dare not do anything they want to do." Xu Rongmao said, which also proves the necessity of implementing Hong Kong's National Security Law in Hong Kong. Help to consolidate Hong Kong's rule of law and maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
In addition, Xu Rongmao believes that the Hong Kong National Security Law should become an opportunity to strengthen the education of the national conditions of young people in Hong Kong and enhance the awareness of their home country.
He said that legislation should be coordinated with education, and schools in Hong Kong should first strengthen teacher training and teaching resources, and use the Hong Kong National Security Law as one of the content of students’ national conditions education to ensure that young people in Hong Kong obtain correct knowledge and help them form national security awareness and Law-abiding consciousness.
"The extracurricular propaganda and education are equally important." Xu Rongmao gave an example. The New Home Association, which was led by him, has organized the youth exchange project "Family of Four Seas" every year since 2015. It has funded more than 10,000 Hong Kong youths to Beijing, Shanghai, Experiential exchanges in Fujian, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Sichuan, Shaanxi and other places. "In the future, I hope that more young people will understand the history, culture and development status of the motherland through this project, and establish a correct national concept." (End)