Escalating geopolitical tensions will not derail Hong Kong’s goal set out in the country’s 15th five-year plan and its efforts to implement the blueprint, former leader Leung Chun-ying has said, describing agility and adaptability as in the city’s DNA.
The vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the country’s top political advisory body, also said that Beijing expected Hong Kong to serve national development more proactively, calling on the city to “step forward to raise our hand”.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post in Beijing on the sidelines of the annual “two sessions” political gathering, Leung expressed confidence that Hong Kong could navigate the heightened geopolitical tensions.
“Hong Kong has always been very quick off its feet, very adaptive,” he said. “It is in our DNA, so I have full confidence in Hong Kong people, particularly the Hong Kong business sector, to steer the course, whatever happens to the geopolitical situation.”
Leung added that Hong Kong could achieve the goals set out by Beijing as long as it stayed focused on the initiative highlighted in the blueprint.
His remarks came after US-Israel strikes on Iran disrupted global supply chains and drove up oil prices, with United States President Donald Trump demanding Tehran’s unconditional surrender.
