Why Hong Kong’s economic future still hinges on national security

Hong Kong's economic future remains tied to national security concerns, despite a perceived return to pragmatism after 2019 unrest. While many believe the city is fundamentally a commercial hub and that restoring public order was necessary, the question of when to shift focus from security back to economic development persists. The orchestrators of past unrest are largely imprisoned or have fled, and while "soft resistance" continues, society appears to have regained its traditional pragmatism. National security laws are expected to remain, leading to ongoing debate about prioritizing economic growth.