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Published: 2007

Total Pages: 9

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Hong Kong has survived turbulent economic, social and political changes in the past ten years since the former crown colony's reversion to Chinese sovereignty. Following set backs in the wake of the Asian financial crisis and the avian flu outbreak in 1997, the outbreak of severe respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and several massive political demonstrations in recent years, Hong Kong's economy has had a robust and steady rebound. Hong Kong has maintained its position as a leading business and financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region and for the world. It has continued to play a pivotal role in China's economic development with increasing economic and even social integration between the two. On the whole Hong Kong has remained politically stable, and retains its title as one of the freest and most open economies in the world. On the other hand, while Hong Kong's longstanding rule of law system is still widely respected, the people's aspiration for more democracy has not been fully met and concerns about press freedom and civil rights have been raised by critics. Many observers have also argued that the governance of the Special Administrative Region (SAR) will come under increasing stress without further democratization. The pace and scope of Hong Kong's political reforms remain unresolved and the future of democratization in Hong Kong is still largely undetermined. Given these developments, it is clear America has multiple interests in Hong Kong. Senior American officials maintain that many of the qualities that turned Hong Kong into a favorite destination for international business -- a strong rule of law tradition, free flow of information, respect for intellectual property rights -- are also attributes the United States would like to see strengthened in the rest of China. As a leading port and a top financial center, Hong Kong has also supported American efforts against global terrorism through the tightening of port security and its leadership role in international anti-money laundering efforts. In addition, continued progress in Hong Kong's democratic development is widely viewed as consistent with U.S. interests in more politically open and like-minded societies around the world. In late 205, then-Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick -- stopping over in Hong Kong on his way to Beijing -- rightly noted his appreciation for the "special role that [Hong Kong] has to play as part of China." However, in spite of these interests, Washington's attention toward Hong Kong has been uneven. Key political figures, from the former chairperson of the Democratic Party Martin Lee and Christine Loh of Civic Exchange, a highly influential think tank, to senior officials including the Chief Executive Donald Tsang and the Secretary for Justice Wong Yan-lung, have all visited Washington in the recent past attempting to seek wider American support and understanding regarding the process of democratization and other developments in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, the March 2007 election for the leader of Hong Kong, the Chief Executive, drew only limited attention in Washington. There was little news when Donald Tsang, the incumbent and Beijing's preferred candidate, won a large majority within the 800-member Election Committee, which consisted of mainly Beijing loyalists tasked to select the new head of the Hong Kong government. Notwithstanding the absence of direct elections by the people of Hong Kong, it was the first election for the post contested by a pan-democratic camp candidate and was seen by many in Hong Kong as an important step forward. As such, the muted response in Washington was rather surprising. Some of this is understandable. In light of the major foreign policy challenges -- such as with North Korea, Iraq, Sudan, Iran, and other hotspots, as well as the complexity in U.S.-China relations -- facing the end of the Bush Administration's second-term, it may not be realistic to expect high-level attention to Hong Kong in Washington. And the next administration may likewise believe it cannot afford to pay all that much attention to developments in Hong Kong. Those of the "no news is good news" school may prefer it that way. Yet, as Hong Kong stands at a political crossroads, and given its role in China's economic development, Washington's interest in Hong Kong should be encouraged, renewed, and sustained. Moreover, American attention should be broadened to recognize Hong Kong's strategic importance to U.S. interests including as a key player in countering terrorism and playing a special role in China's harmonious transformation at home and smooth integration abroad.