Hong Kong-Japan Exchanges Must Uphold China's Dignity & Benefit Hongkongers, Says John Lee Amid Diplomatic Row

John Lee: Hong Kong-Japan Exchanges Must Uphold China's Dignity and Benefit Hongkongers Amid Diplomatic Row

The intricate dynamics governing Hong Kong's interactions with Japan are increasingly under scrutiny, as city leader John Lee Ka-chiu has unequivocally stated that all official exchanges must rigorously adhere to China's national dignity and demonstrably serve the interests of Hongkongers. Lee's pronouncements, delivered on Monday, emerge against the backdrop of an intensifying diplomatic disagreement between Beijing and Tokyo, a situation he believes significantly diminishes the potential effectiveness of such bilateral interactions.

Impact of Diplomatic Tensions on Engagements

Reports indicate a clear disruption in planned engagements, with several official exchanges between Hong Kong and the Japanese consulate reportedly being either cancelled or deferred. Lee directly attributed this altered climate to what he termed "extremely erroneous remarks" originating from the Japanese leadership. These comments, he asserted, have severely damaged the environment conducive to constructive Sino-Japanese relations. He further underscored the imperative that Hong Kong's operational arrangements must invariably align with national dignity and prioritize the welfare of its citizens, affirming his administration's commitment to close monitoring of unfolding developments.

Postponed Business Event Signals Broader Fallout

While Lee refrained from explicitly confirming a complete halt to official exchanges, despite widespread reports, Japanese news agency Kyodo provided specific details. It reported that InvestHK, Hong Kong's dedicated agency for investment promotion, withdrew its participation from a business promotion event organized with Japan. This event, originally scheduled for the previous Tuesday, was subsequently postponed indefinitely without a replacement date being established. This incident serves as a tangible illustration of how broader diplomatic tensions are now directly impacting practical, collaborative initiatives. Lee's measured yet firm stance highlights the critical tightrope Hong Kong must navigate, balancing its international engagement with unwavering adherence to Beijing's overarching foreign policy directives.