Why Hong Kong’s economic future still hinges on national security

Whether under British rule or modern superpower competition, Hong Kong’s value as a strategic gateway makes it a vital security asset In any conversation about Hong Kong’s future, one question often emerges: when will the city pivot away from national security and back to economic development? To most, Hong Kong is fundamentally a commercial hub. After the turmoil of 2019, most reasonable people agreed that restoring public order was imperative. Today, the orchestrators of that unrest and the radicals are largely imprisoned or have fled. While occasional flare-ups and various forms of “soft resistance” persist, society at large appears to have reclaimed its traditional pragmatism. Few doubt that national security laws are here to stay, yet many wonder whether it’s time to turn the page and refocus on economic growth. As a journalist, I work in one of the most affected industries and this question is constantly on my mind. I have come to a conclusion that may sound counterintuitive, if not sacrilegious, coming from a media professional: national security will always remain a top policy priority for Hong Kong.

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