Dong Wenjiu, former deputy commander of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison: Decolonization and the Belt and Road — Hong Kong has great potential ...

On May 8, the "Cultural Journey Through China, Masterpieces of Taizhou" event, jointly organized by Ifeng.com and the Taizhou Tourism Bureau, was officially launched. The event was co-organized by the China Party Building Painting Academy and hosted by Fengqiwutong Cultural Media Co., Ltd. It invited numerous renowned calligraphers and painters, including Professor Zhang Wenxiang, president of the China Party Building Painting Academy; General Dong Wenjiu, former deputy commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison; Yang Zipeng, former vice president of the China National Light Industry Council; Professor Wang Minglu, executive secretary-general of the China Party Building Painting Academy; Chang Zhengdong, deputy secretary-general of the China Party Building Painting Academy; Qin Yifeng, deputy secretary-general of the China Party Building Painting Academy; and Yang Qian, director of the Seal Engraving Art Committee of the China Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Alliance. While touring China’s famous mountains and scenic waters, the artists captured the landscape, history, and culture in their paintings and calligraphy, creating original artworks of Taizhou’s beautiful scenery.

On the first day of the event, the group visited the One-Island Landing Battle Memorial Hall. After the visit, a reporter interviewed General Dong Wenjiu, former deputy commander of the Hong Kong Garrison.

General Dong inscribed a calligraphy piece for the One-Island Landing Battle Memorial Hall.

Reporter: General Dong, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China. These special 20 years have been full of reflections. Over this period, ties between the mainland and Hong Kong have continuously strengthened, with cooperation advancing rapidly. However, even amid such a promising “broad river with calm waters on both banks,” there have been occasional countercurrents. What historical background do you think underlies these disharmonious elements?

General Dong Wenjiu:

The impact of British colonial rule was immense. Wherever the British left, they tended to leave trouble behind — take India, for example. Originally, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were unified; when the British left, they divided it into India and Pakistan. Later, East Pakistan became Bangladesh. To maintain control, they ensured the region remained unstable. The same goes for Hong Kong.

Hong Kong should undergo “decolonization.” This term may not have been widely discussed before. This over 100-year colonial history has had a profound influence on Hong Kong. Many street and place names in Hong Kong carry strong colonial connotations. Shanghai used to be the same. But Shanghai made up its mind to decolonize, and overnight, all those colonial remnants disappeared. The same should happen in Hong Kong — from small things like street and place names to larger aspects like educational awareness. All colonial elements should be removed.

Reporter: Initially, Hong Kong was our only gateway to the outside world, but later Shanghai, Ningbo, and others emerged. Today, with the Belt and Road Initiative, even more such gateways are appearing. Can Hong Kong benefit from this? Or will the impact outweigh the opportunities?

General Dong at the One-Island Landing Battle Memorial Hall

General Dong Wenjiu: Back then, Shanghai and Shenzhen were not yet developed, so Hong Kong played an important role as an external gateway, particularly in foreign trade and technology introduction. Now, with the rise of Shanghai, the Port of Zhoushan in Ningbo, and the development of Shenzhen’s shipping industry, Hong Kong’s status has significantly declined.

Hong Kong should not see the Belt and Road as a threat but rather join in. Because Hong Kong still has advantages — capital, talent, market, and more. Hong Kong needs to adjust its mindset and not believe that Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen are taking its opportunities. There is competition, yes, but Hong Kong must leverage its unique strengths. For instance, Hong Kong has a well-established legal service system. The Belt and Road involves commercial activities between nations, which will inevitably increase demand for professional services. The participation of Hong Kong’s legal sector in Belt and Road projects can not only catalyze economic and trade development but also help improve the rule of law in countries along the routes. This year’s government work report also included the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, showing the central government’s emphasis on the three regions promoting a new open framework for the Belt and Road.

The Belt and Road is a major national strategy. In this context, for Hong Kong to integrate into it, the first step is to accurately identify its positioning. How to play its role effectively — that is a major issue the Hong Kong SAR government must consider.

Reporter: The Belt and Road is a grand strategy and has been China’s “home-field diplomacy” in recent years. We also say the Belt and Road is open and unrestricted — anyone with the willingness to participate can join. In your view, what kind of transformation will this vast “Belt and Road circle of friends” bring to China?

General Dong Wenjiu: I haven’t studied it systematically, but I think there are several aspects. First, competing with the U.S. and Japan. In the past, Obama’s TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement) excluded China. Creating such a circle, such a market, was directly aimed at countering China. To break out of this encirclement, China initiated the Belt and Road, expanding westward to reopen maritime economic belts and the Silk Road. We must proactively open up new markets and establish new channels. This reflects President Xi’s foresight and adaptability. Second, most Belt and Road regions are economically underdeveloped, rich in resources, and have markets that are largely untapped — their potential is boundless, offering vast opportunities.

Reporter: This “Cultural Journey Through China, Masterpieces of Taizhou” integrates Taizhou’s culture, landscapes, and humanity into art. Is it possible that one day our Cultural Journey will follow the picturesque but undeveloped routes of the Belt and Road, painting our way through to showcase the charm of the initiative?

General Dong (second from left, front row) leaves his calligraphy

General Dong Wenjiu: I think that’s a wonderful idea. The Belt and Road is definitely economy-focused, but cultural tourism is inseparable from the economy. To make this grand Belt and Road project successful, the economy and culture go hand in hand.

Exhibition of works from the “Cultural Journey Through China, Masterpieces of Taizhou” event