'Youth Strategy Need Not Address Independence'

The chairman of the Commission on Youth, Lau Ming-wai, has dismissed criticism that the group's newly released report on Youth Development Strategy had failed to reflect young people's political aspirations.

The report, published on Wednesday, set out a number of recommendations for the government to boost youth development in Hong Kong, including providing more channels for young people to participate in politics.

However, Lau said there is no need to address their calls for independence or self-determination because it violates the Basic Law.

“I think it’s pretty clear under the Basic Law, under the laws of Hong Kong, that independence is a non-starter,” he said.

“So, I don’t see any need whatsoever to address independence, because it is not addressable.”

The Commission on Youth will be replaced by a new Youth Development Commission, which will be chaired by Chief Secretary Matthew Cheung.

The new commission, which was announced by Chief Executive Carrie Lam in her Policy Address, aims to promote collaboration between government bureaus on issues that are of concern to young people.