Exclusive Interview: Dominic Lee Tsz-king Discusses Hong Kong, Governance, and the Future of One Country, Two Systems
By Patrick Lancaster
As part of my upcoming film, "Hong Kong and China: One Country, Two Systems," I sat down with Dominic Lee Tsz-king, a Legislative Council member representing New Territories North East in Hong Kong. A member of the New People’s Party, Dominic has a rich history in politics, including serving as the chairman of the Liberal Party Youth Committee and as a Sham Shui Po District Council member from 2015 to 2019.
Our conversation spanned Dominic’s personal journey into politics, the challenges of governance in Hong Kong, and his views on the evolving relationship between Hong Kong, China, and the rest of the world.
Dominic Lee: From Texas to Hong Kong Politics
Dominic Lee’s political journey began far from Hong Kong in Houston, Texas, where he attended Rice University.
“During college, I interned for a congressman and volunteered in campaigns,” he recounted. “That sparked my interest in politics.”
After earning a degree in economics, Dominic returned to Hong Kong and initially joined his family’s business. But his desire to contribute to his city’s progress led him to public service.
“I felt it was the right time to do more for my city. That’s how I started running for office,” he shared.
One Country, Two Systems: A Unique Framework
Dominic explained the historical and practical context of the one country, two systems principle, implemented when Hong Kong transitioned from British to Chinese governance in 1997.
“The policy was introduced to reassure Hong Kong people who were accustomed to British governance for over 100 years,” he said. “It allowed Hong Kong to retain its capitalist lifestyle while being part of China.”
Dominic highlighted that the framework reflects a blend of governance styles: “Hong Kong combines elected representation with professional expertise, ensuring a balanced approach to governance that caters to diverse community needs.”
Contrasting Politics: Hong Kong vs. the United States
With firsthand experience in U.S. politics, Dominic compared Hong Kong’s governance to America’s system.
“In the U.S., lobbyists and external influences heavily impact politicians,” he noted. “Here, we focus on professional expertise and community representation rather than just electoral politics.”
Dominic also criticized the influence of lobbyists in Western systems, particularly highlighting controversies around foreign funding and political priorities. “In Hong Kong, we aim for a system that represents grassroots interests while balancing economic and professional perspectives.”
National Security Law: Stability Amid Western Criticism
Dominic defended the National Security Law (NSL), enacted in 2020 following widespread unrest in 2019, as a necessary measure for Hong Kong’s stability.
“Every country has laws to protect its national security,” he explained. “The NSL has restored peace and safety after the chaos of 2019.”
He also addressed criticism from Western nations, pointing out that similar laws exist in the U.S. and U.K.: “It’s interesting how the West questions our security measures while implementing stricter versions themselves.”
The Future of Hong Kong: Housing, Livelihood, and Development
Beyond politics, Dominic emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing Hong Kong’s pressing housing issues.
“The Northern Metropolis project aims to provide affordable housing for everyone, from grassroots families to the middle class,” he explained. “Housing isn’t just about shelter; it’s about creating a sense of belonging for our citizens.”
Hong Kong’s Role in Taiwan and Regional Relations
The conversation naturally turned to the broader application of the one country, two systems framework, particularly concerning Taiwan.
“Hong Kong’s experience shows that one country, two systems can respect local lifestyles while maintaining national integrity,” Dominic said. “It offers a path for Taiwan to reunify with China while preserving its unique characteristics.”
He observed that many young Taiwanese are open to the idea of reunification, particularly as they compare their economic challenges to China’s rapid development.
Clearing Misconceptions: Social Credit and Corruption
Dominic also addressed misconceptions about China, including the controversial social credit system.
“It’s largely a fabrication of Western media,” he remarked. “In mainland China, daily life isn’t affected by any such system. If you speed, you get a ticket—just like anywhere else in the world.”
On corruption, Dominic praised efforts by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments to crack down on unethical practices: “China’s rapid growth is a testament to tackling corruption effectively, allowing the economy and infrastructure to flourish.”
A Message to the West
As the interview concluded, Dominic shared a broader perspective on China’s history and resurgence as a global power.
“China has been around for over 5,000 years, and our recent progress reflects our resilience and innovation,” he said. “We’re not here to dominate but to contribute to the global community. Unlike some nations, we focus on improving our people’s lives and respecting others’ sovereignty.”
He encouraged Western audiences to see the realities of Hong Kong and China firsthand: “Don’t just believe what you hear—come and experience it yourself.”
This interview with Dominic Lee Tsz-king sheds light on the complexities of Hong Kong’s governance and its unique place within the one country, two systems framework. His insights will feature prominently in "Hong Kong and China: One Country, Two Systems," a film exploring the interplay between governance, identity, and progress in this dynamic region.
Stay tuned for the film’s release, which promises to delve deeper into the stories shaping Hong Kong’s present and future.
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