What are Hong Kong’s next best steps after ‘two sessions’ in Beijing?

Hong Kong should move beyond a “city-centred” approach that merely seeks Beijing’s policy support and instead take steps to align with national priorities by advancing the internationalisation of the yuan and supporting mainland Chinese enterprises’ global expansion, observers have said as this year’s “Two Sessions” came to a close.With the annual political gathering ending amid the widening war in the Middle East, observers also said Beijing would expect local companies to pursue investments that delivered “win-win” outcomes for national, Hong Kong and business interests.SCMP PLUS WEBINAR | Key Takeaways from China’s Two Sessions 2026SCMP PLUS WEBINAR | Key Takeaways from China’s Two Sessions 2026Align with national geopolitical strategyThe country’s 15th five-year plan approved during the meetings asked Hong Kong to bolster its role as an international financial centre and develop into a global innovation and technology hub.Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s government work report, for the first time, highlighted Beijing’s support for Hong Kong in better serving national development.Veteran political commentator Sonny Lo Shiu-hing said the city could no longer adopt a “Hong Kong-centred” mindset of asking for the central government’s support. Instead, the city should align with the country’s geopolitical strategies amid escalating tensions, he said.“Beijing has empowered Hong Kong and Macau to have some paradiplomatic function,” Lo said. “Hong Kong is expected to be a superconnector connecting with other countries because of its strong common law background, and roles as a strong financial and monetary centre and aviation hub.”