Editor's note: Following the tumultuous Hong Kong protests this year, many on the Chinese mainland believe Hong Kong people's understanding of the mainland was mixed with a series of misconceptions. Christine Loh, former Hong Kong legislative councillor (1992-1997) and former undersecretary for the environment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government (2012-17), shares her thoughts on why Hong Kong needs to learn about the mainland and understand it better. The views expressed in the video are hers, and do not necessarily reflect those of CGTN.

CGTN: What are your thoughts on the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act?

Christine Loh: The potential for the U.S. to be able to use Hong Kong as another constant bargaining chip with China might actually put Hong Kong in an even more precarious condition.

This is going to make the situation even more complex. This is going to play into the issue of the East-West conflict. I personally worry about this, because I'm not sure it's going to help our situation. Actually, what Hong Kong needs to do is to have a greater understanding and more dialogue related to the mainland. 

And this is something that I think it hasn't really happened before. I mean people need to address their concerns but we also need to pay some attention to the concerns of "One Country." So far, I think in Hong Kong, we've tended to dismiss Beijing's concerns. 

If we want to have a reform to our political system – you know, electoral reform – Beijing's concern is, well, if I let you elect who you want, what if you elect somebody who is going to be a separatist from China? 

So there is a concern about national security. If Beijing was sure that "One Country" was safe – maybe if I can put it that way – Hong Kong might be able to continue to expand upon the benefits we have within the Basic Law.

CGTN: What prevents Hong Kong residents from better understanding the Chinese mainland? And why is it so important for Hong Kong?

Christine Loh: There is a deep, I think, emotional resistance to understanding China. 

The main contention or argument about China is that it's not like the West. I think the core argument between the East and the West has to do with this fundamental point. And this is going to be a defining argument in the world for a long time to come. 

We have a different system under the "One Country, Two Systems" formula. How our system could evolve will have to happen under the "One Country, Two Systems" formula.

Hong Kong, as part of China, has a great interest in understanding more deeply the Chinese system. If Hong Kong is going to do well within "One Country," there are skills and knowledge that we need to learn. 

CGTN: What could a closer relationship with the mainland mean for Hong Kong?

Christine Loh: Obviously, there are tremendous opportunities of all kinds as part of a bigger country. China is on the march, so to speak. You know, we're talking about business and economics in China, we are even talking about arts and culture. There are many, many things in China that will continue to develop, and on a very large scale. I think in Hong Kong it is sometimes difficult for us to think on a very large scale. 

But Hong Kong is part of China, I'd like to think that for Hong Kong people in the future, it might be just most natural for them to think about doing things on the mainland and see all kinds of opportunities they could have. 

Interviewer: Xu Sicong

Video editor: Feng Ran

Producer: Wei Wei

Chief editor: Lin Dongwei

Supervisor: Mei Yan

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)