章節 448: Chapter 448: National Day Celebration
"Take us to the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua News Agency!" Xia Yu ordered the driver after getting into the car with Li Xi and Li Wuming.
"Yes, boss. Please sit tight!"
The car started and headed towards Hong Kong Island.
Sitting in the car, Xia Yu took out an exquisite invitation and reviewed it carefully once more.
Li Xi, sitting beside him, glanced at the invitation with a curious look and softly asked, "Xia Yu, this invitation is for the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua News Agency, but it's a state agency. Why do they use the name of a news agency rather than setting up a separate department?"
Seeing Li Xi's curious expression, Xia Yu smiled, thought for a moment, and said, "There's a lot to it, and it's a bit complex, but I'll give you a simple explanation."
"The Xinhua News Agency is a news agency from the mainland, similar in nature to my Jiuding News Agency. Xinhua's branches are spread worldwide, but the Hong Kong branch is unique in nature."
"The Hong Kong branch of Xinhua is not directly subordinate to Xinhua News Agency but is a completely separate institution that serves as an official representative of the central government, somewhat like an embassy. However, since Hong Kong is part of China, it's impossible for the mainland to establish an embassy here, as that would be like pushing Hong Kong away."
"Initially, the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua was purely a news organization. But with the changes in international relations, including resistance from Taiwan and Britain, it evolved to represent the mainland's interests. Today, its role is distinct from its original journalistic function."
"The Xinhua News Agency's original news operations still exist as a relatively independent sub-unit under the Hong Kong branch, named the 'Editorial Office of the Hong Kong Branch of Xinhua News Agency.'"
"Oh, I see. It's so complicated!" Li Xi finally understood and mumbled to herself.
"Haha, anything involving national and ethnic affairs is never simple," Xia Yu chuckled, gently stroking her smooth hair.
"Mhm!" Li Xi nodded obediently in response.
Suddenly, Li Xi frowned slightly, looking worriedly at Xia Yu. "Xia Yu, since it's an official mainland institution, wouldn't attending openly cause you trouble? Rumors of Hong Kong's return have been circulating, and Britain seems unwilling to agree. What if you face pressure?"
Touched by Li Xi's concern, Xia Yu smiled, gently smoothing her furrowed brow, and softly explained, "Don't worry. I've considered all this. It'll be fine. Rumors are just that—rumors. I'm well aware of the bigger picture."
"Oh, that's a relief," Li Xi sighed in relief, lightly patting her chest.
Xia Yu smiled and gazed out of the window, lost in thought.
He knew attending the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua News Agency's National Day celebration wouldn't be a problem because, thanks to his memories from his past life, he was aware that Governor MacLehose of Hong Kong would also attend. This would be the first time a Hong Kong Governor attended Xinhua's National Day celebration, clearly indicating the British stance.
Xia Yu also understood the reasoning behind Governor MacLehose's attendance.
According to historical developments, in two months, the Sino-American Joint Communiqué would be signed, taking effect on January 1, 1979, symbolizing the normalization of Sino-American relations.
With the U.S., NATO's leader, taking the lead in establishing friendly ties with the mainland, the smaller European countries would undoubtedly follow suit. Although the two nations hadn't officially established diplomatic relations yet, negotiations were undoubtedly underway, unknown to the public but clear to these governments. The British government's instruction for MacLehose to attend was a strategic move.
Xia Yu also knew that next year, to create a favorable environment for reform and opening up, the mainland would take significant actions (which can't be detailed due to national policy constraints), formally distancing itself from the Soviet Union.
The following decade would be a honeymoon period between China and the U.S., and also between China and developed countries, during which the British government would no longer deliberately suppress Hong Kong's Chinese capitalists, especially those with pro-mainland stances.
Pro-mainland tycoons like Ho Ying-tung, who were previously suppressed by the Hong Kong government, would finally feel relief.
After this honeymoon period, the dynamics between China and the U.S. would shift again, and Britain would likely change its stance once more.
However, in ten years, Xia Yu wouldn't be standing still. If he couldn't infiltrate British politics by then, he might as well spell his name backward!
If they tried to suppress him then? Not a chance! Such political orders wouldn't even get off the ground!
Xia Yu was confident about this because, in Western capitalist societies, capital rules over governance!
Failing to influence the government would only mean the capital wasn't powerful enough!
"Boss, we're here!"
Soon, the car arrived at the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua News Agency. The vehicle was guided to a drop-off point by staff, and the driver called out to remind them.
"Mhm, let's get out!" Xia Yu nodded, opened the car door, and exited with Li Xi and Li Wuming. Once they were out, the car was directed to the parking area.
As soon as Xia Yu's car was spotted, it was immediately reported to the higher-ups. Thus, just as Xia Yu got out of the car, he saw an elderly man in traditional Chinese attire, full of energy, leading several subordinates and striding towards him with a bright smile.
This man was Wang Ping, the newly appointed Chief of the Hong Kong branch of Xinhua News Agency, whom Xia Yu had seen in documents before.
Xia Yu smiled, adjusted his attire, and led Li Xi and Li Wuming toward Wang Ping.
"Mr. Xia, Miss Li, thank you for coming. Your presence truly lights up the occasion!" Wang Ping greeted warmly.
"Chief Wang, thank you for the invitation!" Xia Yu responded, shaking Wang Ping's hand firmly, clearly pleased with Xia Yu's arrival.
After all, Xia Yu's presence at Xinhua's National Day reception on such a significant day carried great symbolic weight. These receptions were held annually, but only a few Hong Kong big shots, mainly staunch pro-mainland supporters, dared to attend.
There had been concerns when Xia Yu was invited, and Wang Ping shared these worries. Now, seeing Xia Yu attend in person, his stance was clear, and Wang Ping couldn't be happier. Xia Yu's presence was a sign of support and a highlight of Wang Ping's year in charge.
"Mr. Xia, please come in! Mr. Ho and Mr. Bao just arrived ahead of you," Wang Ping said courteously, leading Xia Yu inside.
"Oh? They're early. Looks like I'm running late!" Xia Yu raised an eyebrow, smiling.
"You're not late at all. Mr. Xia, your presence is the greatest support we could ask for!" Wang Ping quickly reassured him, guiding Xia Yu and his group into the hall.
Inside, there were already many guests present. The lower one's status or influence, the earlier they tended to arrive, hoping to make a good impression.
When Wang Ping entered with Xia Yu, the entire room perked up, and all eyes turned toward him, many showing a hint of excitement.
Xia Yu maintained a friendly demeanor, smiling and acknowledging the guests around him. This scene didn't escape Wang Ping's notice, and his spirits lifted.
On National Day, those who received invitations were either influential individuals or those friendly to the mainland, and those who chose to attend were undoubtedly pro-mainland.
Seeing one of Hong Kong's leading figures, Master Xia, attending, they felt their ranks had grown significantly. Xia Yu was a media mogul wielding tremendous influence, and his presence added invaluable strength to their cause.
As for some of the businessmen in attendance, they were already thinking of ways to leverage this connection, hoping to get to know Xia Yu, share in his wealth, and ride the wave of prosperity.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票