This photo taken on June 29, 2020 shows a billboard promoting the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the Central district in Hong Kong. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong ensures the stability and security of the city, providing fertile ground for economic development, the head of a local youth group told a UN human rights council meeting on Friday.
Alex Yeung Ching-loong, the chairman of the Hong Kong United Youth Association, said the “one country, two systems” framework is what keeps the city vibrant and ensures a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong residents
Delivering a speech at the 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Alex Yeung Ching-loong, the chairman of the Hong Kong United Youth Association, also refuted rumors that many foreign companies had left Hong Kong because of the national security law. “The fact is we are still flourishing and we are still standing as (one of) the top five competitive economies in the world,” Yeung said.
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Yeung said as part of China, Hong Kong acts as a bridge between the East and the West. This allows Hong Kong to benefit from the country’s vast market while preserving its own identity, culture and legal system.
“Hong Kong is renowned for its global perspective and our vibrant civil society, where young people can pursue their dreams freely. We are the gateway to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which is one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world,” the Hong Kong member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference said.
And the “one country, two systems” framework is what keeps the city vibrant and ensures a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong residents, said Yeung, who is also executive director and vice-chairman of entertainment conglomerate Emperor International Holdings.
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With the resumption of normal travel, Yeung said he welcomes people from all over the world to Hong Kong as the city is renowned for its global perspective and vibrant civil society, where young people can pursue their dreams freely.
He also promised to remain committed to collaborating with the city’s global partners, to promote youth development and create a better future for all.
Yeung was the second young representative from Hong Kong to speak at the 52nd session of the council. Gary Wong Chi-him, a board member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, delivered a video-recorded speech on March 7.
To combat long-standing misconceptions about the city, Hong Kong had three young representative speak at the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council last year.