Tough to Have Faith in the Theory HK Lacks Confidence

A journalist from the mainland asked me recently whether the turmoil in Hong Kong is perhaps because its residents lack confidence. "Do you think Hong Kong people are losing their confidence, so they feel increasingly anxious?" he asked.

The question took me by surprise. I've heard people in Hong Kong complain a lot, particularly with regard to mainlanders, but I never thought these grumblings had anything to do with "confidence." Some say that too many mainlanders are moving in, and that space and facilities can no longer cope. Others focus on issues such as urban planning, or on the failure of social security, education and health care facilities to meet local needs.