Hong Kong must abandon superiority complex over mainland China

For many years, the city of Hong Kong has maintained a sense of superiority over mainland China, even though some residents have expressed sadness over leaving the city. When one reporter relocated their pets from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, they experienced a vastly different bureaucratic environment than the one described in Hong Kong.

The young customs officers at Shenzhen Bay treated the reporter's situation with warmth, showing no signs of rigidity or unhelpfulness. This stark contrast in attitudes between the two regions demonstrates that Hong Kong's outdated perception of China's bureaucracy may be misguided.

While Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department has aided the reporter in navigating the necessary paperwork, the reporter overheard other applicants expressing skepticism about Chinese bureaucracy. This assumption, however, does not reflect the reality of China's rapid improvements and significant investments in its systems.

Historical accounts, such as those of the impartial minister Diwu Lun, remind us that partiality is a human trait, and societies must learn to manage it rather than deny its existence.

The persistent pursuit of impartiality in Hong Kong, even to the point of paralysis, often leads to rigid systems and misplaced suspicion. In contrast, mainland China has witnessed significant achievements in the past decade, surpassing those of even the United States. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's system has resulted in inflated property prices, forcing ordinary people into cramped living conditions. On the mainland, people enjoy greater freedom, community solidarity, and a higher quality of life.

Hong Kong can no longer cling to the illusion of its own superiority. The city must reposition itself as a part of China, embracing its unique role and producing leadership capable of safeguarding national security while promoting prosperity. The mentality that "Hong Kong is better" must be discarded in favor of recognizing China's success and working towards shared prosperity.

Ultimately, a simple crossing at Shenzhen Bay, where a father, daughter, and two old dogs were treated with warmth rather than suspicion, exemplifies the future Hong Kong should strive for – a society built on dignity, trust, and humanity, rather than an outdated superiority complex. By acknowledging and learning from mainland China's achievements, Hong Kong can truly share in its rise.