Opinion | Executive-led governance in Hong Kong must start by listening to the people
South China Morning Post
by Jane LeeFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong’s executive-led governance model has been elevated to a constitutional doctrine, emphasizing the importance of engagement and consensus-building to ensure effective governance. According to Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, this system requires not only structural coherence but also active participation from the public. The national security white paper highlights that high-standard security and high-quality development are mutually reinforcing, with structured engagement playing a pivotal role in achieving both.
Under the Basic Law, the Chief Executive serves as the head of both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the SAR government, holding dual accountability to the central people’s government and to Hong Kong itself. This dual responsibility underscores the need for a governance philosophy that prioritizes public engagement. While Hong Kong’s civil service is renowned for its efficiency and competence, it must also adapt to evolving societal expectations by embedding mechanisms for aggregating public opinion in policy formulation and implementation.
The effectiveness of the executive-led system hinges on its ability to foster trust and collaboration between the government and its citizens. By ensuring that governance power is exercised through meaningful engagement, Hong Kong can achieve a balance between security and progress. This approach not only strengthens institutional stability but also sets an example for other regions grappling with similar challenges in governance and development.
For readers interested in global governance, this matters because it demonstrates how effective leadership requires more than just structural frameworks—it demands a commitment to listening, understanding, and integrating public input. As Hong Kong navigates its unique political landscape, the success of its executive-led system will be closely watched as a potential model for other regions striving to achieve stability and progress through inclusive governance.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/22/2026