On May 8, the "Cultural Journey Through China, Masters Painting 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; Mr. Chang Zhengdong, deputy secretary-general of the China Party Building Painting Academy; Mr. 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 hand-drawn masterpieces showcasing the beauty of Taizhou.
On the first day of the event, the group visited the One-Three Campaign Memorial Hall. After the visit, a reporter interviewed General Dong Wenjiu, former deputy commander of the Hong Kong Garrison.
General Dong inscribes a calligraphy piece for the One-Three Campaign Memorial Hall
Reporter: General Dong, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. These special 20 years have given us much to reflect on. Over this period, ties between the mainland and Hong Kong have grown increasingly close, and cooperation in various fields has advanced by leaps and bounds. But even amid such smooth and expansive progress, there have been occasional undercurrents. What historical background do you think lies behind these discordant elements?
General Dong Wenjiu:
The impact of British colonial history is immense. Wherever the British left, they tended to leave trouble behind — just look at India. Originally, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh were one. When the British left, they divided it into India and Pakistan. Later, East Pakistan became Bangladesh. To maintain control, they ensured the region remained unsettled. The same applies to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong should undergo “decolonization.” This term may not have been widely discussed before. This over century-long colonial history has had a profound impact 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. Hong Kong should do the same — from small things like street and place names to larger issues like educational awareness. All colonial elements should be removed.
Reporter: Initially, Hong Kong was our only bridge to the outside world, but later cities like Shanghai and Ningbo emerged. Today, with the Belt and Road Initiative, even more such bridges will appear. Can Hong Kong benefit from this? Or will the impact outweigh the opportunities?
General Dong Wenjiu at the One-Three Campaign Memorial Hall
General Dong Wenjiu: Back then, Shanghai and Shenzhen weren’t as developed, so Hong Kong played a crucial role as an external bridgehead in foreign trade and technology introduction. Now, with Shanghai, as well as Ningbo’s Zhoushan Port, and the development of Shenzhen’s shipping industry, Hong Kong’s status has significantly declined.
Hong Kong shouldn’t see the Belt and Road as a threat — it should join in. Because Hong Kong still has advantages: capital, talent, market access, and more. Hong Kong needs to adjust its mindset and not think that Shanghai, Ningbo, or Shenzhen are taking its opportunities. There is competition, yes, but Hong Kong must leverage its unique strengths. For example, 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. Hong Kong’s legal sector participating 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 define its positioning. How to play its role and make an impact 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. Moreover, we say the Belt and Road is open and unrestricted — anyone with the willingness to participate can join. Do you think this vast Belt and Road circle of friends will bring about what kind of transformation for 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 against China. China needed to break out of this encirclement, so it proposed 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 less economically developed, rich in resources, and have largely untapped markets with unlimited potential — there’s great promise.
Reporter: This “Cultural Journey Through China, Masters Painting Taizhou” event captures Taizhou’s culture, landscapes, and humanity through art. Is it possible that one day the Cultural Journey could follow the scenic yet undeveloped spots along the Belt and Road, painting them all the way to showcase the charm of the Belt and Road?
General Dong (second from left in the front row) leaves his calligraphy
General Dong Wenjiu: I think that’s a great idea. The Belt and Road is definitely economy-focused, but cultural tourism is inseparable from the economy. To do this grand Belt and Road project well, economy and culture go hand in hand.
Exhibition of works from the “Cultural Journey Through China, Masters Painting Taizhou” event