{
  "id": 9057441,
  "title": "How Hong Kong can keep the talking going when US-China officials don’t",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/how-hong-kong-can-keep-the-talking-going-when-us-china-officials-dont-9057441",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T01:30:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3368057/how-hong-kong-can-keep-talking-going-when-us-china-officials-dont"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When Tung Chee-hwa passed away, journalists often chronicled a shipping tycoon who became Hong Kong's first post-colonial chief executive. Highlights included his government's handling of the Asian financial crisis and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) epidemic, as well as its withdrawal from Article 23. However, less focus was placed on the political blend Tung represented. Serving as the vice-chairman of China's top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, until 2023, he held state-leader rank without an official diplomatic portfolio. To maintain communication between senior Americans and Chinese during periods when their governments wouldn't, Tung founded the China-United States Exchange Foundation in Hong Kong in 2008. Known as Track 1.5, this unofficial dialogue format moves at a faster pace compared to formal governmental negotiations, enabling participants, including former officials, scholars, and business figures, to explore common ground and forge the foundation for future diplomacy. Hong Kong, being downstream of many of these discussions, should pay more attention to this process than other Asian cities. The city's unique legal framework allows Hong Kong-registered entities to serve as a bridge for global business, highlighting the implications of US-China export controls on a hub like Hong Kong. To ensure the success of Track 1.5, three areas should be prioritized: research and development, institution-based exchange, and student-to-student exchange. Hong Kong's universities, with several ranking among the top 100 globally, can serve as ideal research facilities, hosting laboratories and leading steering committees. Institutions such as the Yidan Prize Foundation can facilitate cross-border, non-political exchanges. Lastly, student-to-student exchange programs can rebuild ties between the US and China, with Hong Kong being the most credible location for this purpose due to its location, language, and proximity to Shenzhen. Hong Kong possesses the necessary infrastructure, such as its three-runway airport and facilities like the Skycity and AsiaWorld-Expo, to support these initiatives. However, challenges remain in processing visas efficiently and accommodating student accommodation needs. By establishing a continuous dialogue among key figures, Hong Kong can maintain a position as the default hub for managing US-China competition, ensuring that disagreements remain manageable and shared interests continue to grow.",
  "summary": "When Tung Chee-hwa died, the obituaries predictably described a Hong Kong shipping mogul who became the city’s first postcolonial chief executive. How his government navigated the Asian financial crisis and severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) epidemic and its retreat from Article 23 were highlighted. There was less attention paid to the political hybrid he embodied. Tung sat as vice-chairman…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Reuters Business via SCMP",
        "title": "How Hong Kong can keep the talking going when US-China officials don’t",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/how-hong-kong-can-keep-the-talking-going-when-us-china-officials-dont",
        "published": "2026-09-22T01:30:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}