- Hong Kong has shown its ability to bounce back from crisis, none more so than after the second world war, and with the right leadership it can recover from the social unrest of today
Hong Kong welcomed a new decade with more muted celebrations than in the past as civil unrest continues after seven troubled months. Last night saw revelry, but also anti-government protests. Today, a big march is expected and it is to be hoped that it will proceed peacefully. The start of a new decade is a time to reflect and to look ahead.
Ten years ago, the Post wondered whether Hong Kong's perceived ability to bounce back stronger from every crisis would hold true. The crisis then was the global economic meltdown from which the city was recovering.
The question remains relevant today, but this time the problem is harder to solve. The anti-government protests that have often descended into violence show no sign of abating with both sides holding firm.
There have been thousands of arrests and injuries and at least one death. Almost everyone has been affected. Most people's new year's wish would be for the deadlock to be broken and for the violence to end.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor promised in her address for the new year not to shy away from responsibility and to listen humbly to find a way out.
She has said this many times, but the impasse remains. She needs to show leadership. Action is urgently required, not merely words, to respond to the protests, heal the wounds and resolve divisions in society. We hope to see a more proactive approach from the government this year.
Ten years ago, the Post highlighted problems in the city such as a growing wealth gap, rising property prices, and a lack of political reform.
Hong Kong leader vows to rebuild city in new year resolution
These pressing issues have not been successfully tackled over the past decade. The failure to resolve them has contributed to social discontent. Hong Kong is now paying the price. Yesterday, Lam promised to handle deep-rooted problems and rebuild Hong Kong. But she did not say how.
The crisis offers a chance to make the city better and stronger. Its future lies in the "one country, two systems" concept, hopefully beyond the minimum 50-year period that ends in 2047.
Beijing and Hong Kong need to better understand each other so the city can harness the benefits of being part of a strong China while also maintaining its separate system, high degree of autonomy and distinct values. There is a need to create a fairer society in which all people have hope, opportunity and more of a say over their destiny.
It is not easy to be optimistic at this time. But Hong Kong has overcome much bigger crises in the past. Perhaps inspiration can be drawn from this newspaper's editorial in 1945, marking the end of the city's wartime occupation.
It called on the community to show love and loyalty to the "green hills" of Hong Kong so that the city "may flourish again, more beautiful, more prosperous, more progressive " and purer of soul".
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