Under Beijing’s directive, Shenzhen will transform into a model “socialism with Chinese characteristics” city. Photo: Handout
AS Beijing has whipped up the vitriol against Hong Kong’s anti-government protesters and exerted pressure on companies to act against “offenders”, it has also instituted a plan to elevate neighbour Shenzhen into a global model socialist city that it hopes will lead the nation into its next level of development.
The conflicting perspectives on the two cities that share a border may fuel speculation that if Hong Kong does not soon toe the line, it runs the risk of being replaced by Shenzhen as the financial heart of the Greater Bay Area. But in reality, it would be a tall order for Shenzhen to pull even as a financial centre, let alone overtake Hong Kong.
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