WHILE public attention is focused on racial tensions in the US largely attributed to George Floyd’s untimely death and the government’s inability to control the situation across the country, China is facing a challenge of its own.

Beijing’s decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong effectively reduces the financial hub’s autonomy and places it under the central government’s substantial control, possibly impacting the city’s economic freedom, trade relations, administrative powers and access to information going forward.

True enough, the outcome was poorly received in Hong Kong, with protesters continuing to voice out their displeasure. The fact that Chief Executive Carrie Lam is positive about the legislation – said to improve the legal system and enforcement through the extensive targeting of terrorists and external forces interfering in domestic activities – is a major cause for concern among Hong Kong residents.

Despite the Chinese government consistently promising to uphold the concept of “one country, two systems”, as repeated by Vice-Prime Minister Han Zheng on June 3, the prospect of reduced democracy and Beijing’s perceived intervention in Hong Kong’s administration undermine the region’s peace and harmony.

Taiwan has added heat to the issue, with President Tsai Ing-wen’s opposition to the security law gaining momentum and providing much-needed support for Hong Kong to continue its fight against Beijing’s actions.

Judging by the recent goings-on in Taiwan and Hong Kong, China’s position as a champion of regional togetherness may be at risk, as its handling of the legislative crisis is openly opposed by the region’s residents.

On the flip side, there is a need to maintain mutual respect and develop positive relations based on an earlier agreement recognising the special arrangements between China and Hong Kong.

The benefits and drawbacks of the new law must be analysed with care by all parties concerned, without resorting to extreme measures to highlight discrepancies or disagreements, as what’s being done in Hong Kong currently.

Also, there must be a degree of tolerance from all sides involved, while China’s internal affairs could be handled with minimal or no outside interference. For instance, Tsai’s hard-line approach could be replaced with a softer tone based on the idea of promoting constructive deliberations.

If need be, Malaysia is one of the best-suited countries to move the Hong Kong-China discussion forward. Being a capable nation with strong East Asian ties (Japan, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) in various affairs, including trade relations and sectoral exchanges, our credentials as a key mediator are unparalleled and admired.

Malaysia’s possible involvement in defusing the hostility transcends economic aspects – it views preserving regional peace as a matter of utmost importance, and the move will help increase the country’s democratic presence in the international arena.

With the Covid-19 pandemic essentially recalibrating global economic trends, Asia would be at the forefront of an unprecedented expansion if continental unity is strengthened and Asian countries’ true potential is tapped. By ensuring our continuous peace and sticking to ethical principles, the goal of boosting Asia’s stature can be realised in the near future.

But, the first step is to prevent the escalation of conflict, and China’s actions in the region remain the prime component. – June 5, 2020.

* Fadhil Rahman reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.