Tony Kwok says city’s success demonstrates merits of the “one country, two systems” policy

China’s overall success at the 2026 Asian Games comes as little surprise. It won 169 gold medals — 86 more than second-place Japan. Many of the most impressive wins were built on extraordinary determination, such as in team relays in running and swimming, where Chinese teams came from behind to secure gold. Watching these thrilling competitions and the flag-raising medal ceremonies that followed, was deeply moving, and made me feel proud to be Chinese.

However, what has surprised many people is the performance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region team. As a city with a population of just 7.5 million, Hong Kong won 11 gold, 19 silver, and 24 bronze medals — 54 in total — placing the HKSAR ninth on the medals table. That is higher than many national teams backed by far larger populations, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

It is also instructive to compare Hong Kong with China’s Taiwan island. Hong Kong won more gold medals (11 versus five) and more silver medals (19 versus 17) than Taiwan, which has a population of approximately 23.3 million — more than three times that of Hong Kong.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government in Taiwan has long badmouthed the “one country, two systems” policy implemented in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. The pro-DPP forces allegedly supported the unrest that occurred in Hong Kong in 2019-20, providing financial, logistical, and media support to the rioters, while continuously attacking Hong Kong through media platforms.

Taiwan residents should take note that in some events — such as swimming and men’s rugby sevens — Hong Kong’s representatives included expatriates who migrated to the city. These athletes could have represented other countries, yet they have chosen Hong Kong and, in effect, treat it as home. Why do they make that choice?

So the question for Taiwan residents is: Is it time to stop being brainwashed by the DPP and to recognize Hong Kong’s success over the years since reunification under the “one country, two systems” principle?

Hong Kong now enjoys a higher GDP per capita — around $49,000 (2023 estimate) — compared with Taiwan’s $39,477 (2025). Life expectancy in Hong Kong is also notably higher than in Taiwan, with a gap of about five years for men and four years for women, reflecting superior living standards and better medical care. Hong Kong has become the world’s third international financial center, and ranked at the top globally in initial public offering performance in 2025. Funds raised on the Hong Kong stock exchange reached nearly HK$275 billion ($35 billion) from 106 IPOs in 2025, while Taiwan’s stock exchange pales in comparison. Hong Kong’s economy grew 5.9 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026 — the strongest growth in nearly five years.

The International Monetary Fund has commended Hong Kong’s resilient economic growth, supported by robust technology-related exports, improving private demand and a rebound in financial market activity. Hong Kong also ranks second in the International Institute for Management Development’s 2026 global competitiveness index — its highest level since 2019 — and continues to attract foreign capital. According to the Boston Consulting Group, Hong Kong has overtaken Switzerland as the world’s largest cross-border wealth management center, with $2.95 trillion in offshore assets in 2025, and single-family offices now surpass 3,380.

Over the past few years, Hong Kong’s Top Talent Scheme has received more than 158,000 applications since the program began in late 2022, while the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme — targeted at affluent investors — received about 3,200 applications in its first two years. Total visitor arrivals for 2026 are projected to exceed the original forecast of 53.8 million, boosting inbound tourism-related consumption to more than HK$240 billion — up 9.5 percent from last year. In the first quarter of 2026, exports of goods rose 32 percent year-on-year, while imports grew 37 percent.

The World Justice Project has consistently ranked Hong Kong highly in its annual Rule of Law Index; in 2025, Hong Kong ranked 24th worldwide out of 143 jurisdictions surveyed—higher than the United States, which ranked 27th.

Hong Kong’s prospects can only be described as bright — especially as it further integrates into national development by aligning its first five-year plan with the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).

These are the plain facts. The time has come for people in Taiwan to think about the real meaning of the “one country, two systems” principle and the benefits it can bring to them.

The author is an honorary fellow of HKU Space and Hong Kong Metropolitan University. He is also an advisor with Our Hong Kong Foundation and a former deputy commissioner of the ICAC.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.