Du Yaoming Commentary] The cost-effectiveness of China-Hong Kong integration is unclear. Beijing should contribute money and effort to avoid concerns.

 The Hong Kong SAR government's recently released budget is a deliberate breach of the Basic Law's stipulation of "living within one's means." It will borrow up to 200 billion yuan annually over the next five years and will do whatever it takes to accelerate economic and regional integration between Hong Kong and mainland China in order to fulfil the impossible task entrusted by the central government: to integrate into the Greater Bay Area as quickly as possible while maintaining Hong Kong's unique advantages.

• Chinese contractors rely on Hong Kong's "white elephant" to survive
• Ho Chiu-kwok harshly criticized the Hong Kong government for borrowing money to survive in Japan, saying Beijing's lack of respect for the law led to sanctions.
• Hong Kong's "Treasurer" issues bonds to protect Taipei from deficit restrictions. Analysis: Economic ignorance could lead to a "catastrophic explosion" in three years.
• [Financial Disclosure] Hong Kong officials' habit of "handing over" has angered Beijing; Xia Baolong issued "clear instructions" to directly intervene in Hong Kong's economy.

The budget leaves the question of whether trillions of yuan in future public investment will be profitable. Undoubtedly, integration between China and Hong Kong is the dominant political theme. Earlier this month, Xia Baolong, Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, traveled to Shenzhen and personally ordered senior SAR officials to expedite the completion of various integration initiatives, including the Hetao Science Park and the Northern Metropolitan Area project. The SAR authorities' loyalty and determination are fully understood.