Former Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying has urged residents to engage more in overseas charity work to strengthen “their roles in developing people-to-people diplomatic ties” as China becomes more prominent on the international stage.
Leung, a vice-chairman of the country’s top political advisory body, on Sunday noted the importance of China taking part in philanthropic activities, rather than solely focusing on economic and trade matters.
“Regardless of which of the cross-strait four regions you are from, the Chinese have a more and more important role in developing people-to-people diplomacy overseas,” he told a radio show, referring to the “cross-strait four regions” of mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.
“This involves engaging teams and money from civil society instead of solely relying on government funds for philanthropic businesses.
“I encourage Hongkongers to form charities and organise initiatives abroad if they have the commitment and time, regardless of scale.”
The former chief executive said medicine, public health, education and support for children and the elderly were areas residents could focus on.
Leung is chairman of the charity GX Foundation, which he set up with business leaders six years ago. It undertakes public health missions in countries in the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s plan to grow global trade.
He said the charity performed 15,000 cataract operations in five Asian and African nations in less than two years and also aimed to offer water purification services through nanotechnology in less developed countries.
Leung said Hong Kong had a unique advantage in developing philanthropic businesses due to its status as a logistics and aviation hub, making it easy to travel and send resources to many countries.
Additionally, Hongkongers were fluent in English and other languages, he said.
Leung also described Hong Kong’s charitable efforts as a leading example in China thanks to its long history of donating.
He noted that establishing charities in Hong Kong was straightforward, with complicated procedures often found elsewhere avoided.
Incumbent Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu last September expressed hope that the city could become a “major international philanthropic centre” as the community’s compassion and generosity were vital to its rise as a charitable hub.
Leung was speaking as the director of the mainland’s United Front Work Department, Shi Taifeng, was expected to pay a rare visit to the city on Sunday for several days.
Shi, also the deputy head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, will attend the opening ceremony of the Overseas Chinese World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China and give a keynote speech on Tuesday.
Like Leung, Shi also serves as a vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
