Politics of Legitimacy: State-Society Relations in Post-Mao China
In-Person Event
Ash Center Room 225, Suite 200 124 Mount Auburn Street
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm EST
One Country, Two Systems at a Crossroads: Hong Kong’s Opportunities and Challenges
Join the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia for a discussion with Wang Xiangwei, Senior Visiting Scholar at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Thomas Ng, fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, to discuss Hong Kong’s opportunities and challenges in a changing political and economic context.
In-Person Event
Ash Center Room 225, Suite 200 124 Mount Auburn Street
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm EST
Join the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia for a discussion with Wang Xiangwei, Senior Visiting Scholar at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Thomas Ng, fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, to discuss Hong Kong’s opportunities and challenges in a changing political and economic context.
Since its handover to China in 1997, Hong Kong has been governed under the principle of “one Country, two systems,” which promised the city a high degree of autonomy and the preservation of its way of life. Since the imposition of the National Security Law in 2020, however, many have questioned whether the formula can deliver on that promise and what it means for Hong Kong’s future as a global financial and business hub.
The conversation will be moderated by Anthony Saich, director of the Rajawali Foundation Institute for Asia and Daewoo Research Professor of International Affairs.
This event will be recorded.
About the speakers:
Wang Xiangwei is a veteran journalist, editor, and educator with more than three decades of experience in media and communications. Since August 2026, he has served as a Senior Visiting Scholar at Harvard Kennedy School, focusing on U.S.–China relations. He previously served as editor-in-chief of the South China Morning Post from 2012 to 2016 and as an associate professor of practice at Hong Kong Baptist University.
Thomas Ng research how deliberative techniques can enhance governance and increase public participation in Hong Kong’s policymaking within applicable legal frameworks. Before joining Harvard Kennedy School as a research fellow, he was a fellow at Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative during the 2025–2026 academic year, where he developed this research focus. Previously, he served as Regional Managing Partner for Asia at the international law firm Freshfields.
Event Details
This event is open to Harvard ID holders only and registration is required. This event will be recorded.
The Ash Center encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its events. To inquire about an accommodation, please contact our events team at info@ash.harvard.edu prior to the event.
Additional questions? Email the Ash Center events team at info@ash.harvard.edu.
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