5/it is more important to focus on here and now, paying attention to the ongoing development of Hong Kong and China, identifying small resistance and resilience, and remaining hope. 
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4/The wide reporting of the LSD’s closure by international media indicates that Hong Kong is still able to get limelight globally, and the global community cares about Hong Kong’s state of political freedoms, openness, plurality and anti-authoritarian struggles.

3/That said, history reminds us of the resilience of citizens and political prisoners during the valley of human rights movement in different places. Eventually, unexpected change would come.

2/No doubt, the disbandment of the LSD marked the end of political plurality in Hong Kong’s party politics and broadly the city’s future. Democratic movement could not continue in party politics or direct mobilization in short and medium terms. Link to DW News here: youtu.be/2-26HniIkE8?...

3/Link to the white paper: www.gov.cn/zhengce/2025...

2/Titled 新时代的中国国家安全, the white paper highlights the importance of safeguarding national security, and suggests improving the national security eco-system in China. The Hong Kong Government's act is obviously part of the grand scheme of enhancing China's security regime in the territory.

3/Since HK is not a sovereign state. It is increasingly clear that China now prioritizes national security above all else and is prepared to intervene directly in HK’s local security affairs when it perceives potential geopolitical or security threats to the Communist regime.

2/Given the ongoing trial of Jimmy Lai, the controversy surrounding Hutchison’s sale of its port assets, and the rise in transnational repression, the Hong Kong government has limited authority and capacity to respond to Western criticism.

4/ in faith, hope and charity I trust His Holiness Leo XIV will fully support his brother (and our “grandfather”) Cardinal Zen, who truly follows the examples of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3/ Jesus is the shepherd, not a hired hand who sees a wolf coming and flees. Cardinal Zen has made a sacrificial choice, and I trust that his witness will continue to raise awareness about the plight of Catholics in Hong Kong no matter how much Beijing tries to muzzle him.

2/As a scholar of HK’s rule of law, human rights and religious freedom, I appreciate Fr. Robert Sirico’s case that “Hong Kong’s Dissident Cardinal Zen Should Defect”. As a Catholic I fully understand His Eminence’s rejection as he can fulfill his pastoral mission only by being among the people.