“There is time, yes, but time is running out… I believe the next one or two administrations, the next two terms, will be crucial” for One Country, Two Systems, said Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, the outgoing Legislative Council president. Tsang spoke in an RTHK interview published Wednesday.

“Some people are already starting to talk about 2047. When I hear that I would say, what’s going to happen to Hong Kong in 2047 will depend entirely on what we do in the intervening years, how we move forward from now up to 2047,” he said.

Jasper Tsang Yok-sing
Jasper Tsang Yok-sing. Photo: RTHK screenshot.

“If One Country, Two Systems proves to work perfectly, I don’t see why any reason why things would have to change by 2047,” he added.

He also said that if the government increases its suppression of those who advocate Hong Kong independence, it would create a vicious cycle and cause those who are radical to become more so.

Recently, the Education Bureau said that teachers who advocate independence in schools may lose their qualifications.

pro independence rally
A Hong Kong independence rally. Photo: HKFP/Kris Cheng.

Tsang said recently that he would be “very glad” to join Leung’s administration if Leung is reelected and invites him to join.

He also said previously that if there were no other suitable candidates he may consider running in the Chief Executive election, as he “truly want[s] to see genuine competition.”

Chantal Yuen is a Hong Kong journalist interested in issues dealing with religion and immigration. She majored in German and minored in Middle Eastern studies at Princeton University.