Opinion: Hong Kong must abandon superiority complex over mainland China
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
After many years in Hong Kong, the author departed the city with lingering emotional ties, relocating to Shenzhen with their two dogs. Contrary to warnings from agents, officials, and even artificial intelligence that mainland bureaucracy would be rigid and unhelpful, the author's actual experience proved dramatically different . The young customs officers at Shenzhen Bay demonstrated exceptional helpfulness, answering phone calls, providing candid advice, and treating the author's situation—a single parent relocating with a daughter and two elderly pets—with genuine warmth . At the border crossing, officials adopted an almost playful tone, asking whether the animals were "kitties or doggies," and once confirming the dogs' long ownership and valid vaccinations, processed everything smoothly .
Key Points
- Author relocated from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, crossing at Shenzhen Bay with two dogs, after many years in the city
- Mainland customs officers at Shenzhen Bay answered calls, gave candid advice, and showed warmth throughout the process
- Officers playfully asked about the pets before confirming valid vaccinations and years of ownership—finding no issues
- Hong Kong's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, though helpful, appeared more rigid by comparison
- Author overheard another applicant insisting Hong Kong's bureaucracy was superior to "Chinese bureaucracy"—a view the author disputes
- China has invested heavily in national and local improvements, with results acknowledged even by skeptics
- Author references Eastern Han dynasty minister Diwu Lun, known for impartiality and self-awareness about human partiality
Why It Matters
This personal account highlights a persistent attitude among some Hong Kong residents who dismiss mainland governance based on outdated stereotypes, potentially missing opportunities for cross-border integration and cooperation as the two regions become increasingly interconnected .
This personal account highlights a persistent attitude among some Hong Kong residents who dismiss mainland governance based on outdated stereotypes, potentially missing opportunities for cross-border integration and cooperation as the two regions become increasingly interconnected .