“In every country, young kids should grow up with some degree of patriotism by learning from family, school, media, and society. But in Hong Kong, especially the young people, they don’t have the historical knowledge of the past," said Richard Hu, Professor and Head of the Department of Politics and Public Administration, University of Hong Kong, during a panel discussion on The Point’s special edition for Hong Kong’s anniversary on CGTN.

"They live under the practice of 'One Country, Two Systems,' but they don’t consider themselves as part of China. As time goes on, young people have illusion that they are non-Chinese and they don’t belong to the PRC (People's Republic of China),” Hu continued.

The “One Country, Two Systems” policy was formulated by the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping and allows the Hong Kong administration to handle its own affairs while participating internationally as part of the People’s Republic of China. 

Twenty years later, the practice has seen mixed interpretations.

Henry Ho, Convener of the One Country Two Systems Youth Forum, noted that the “One Country, Two Systems” policy is the best arrangement for both the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. 

“Although we have a lot of differences, the gap has narrowed compared with two decades ago. It’s important for young people in Hong Kong and Chinese mainland to strengthen communication through dialogue and see how we should move forward," said Ho.

Witman Hung, Chairman Emeritus of the Y. Elites Association, said he has been involved in a lot of exchanges between young people in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

“We should build trust between them by telling them not only the good things but also what really happens. China has seen fast economic growth, but problems such as environmental pollution and aging population also emerge," said Hung. "The young people in Hong Kong will feel more connected if you let them take the ownership.”