'There's nothing wrong with what I'm doing, so I'm not afraid' - an open letter from HK girl

A local girl from Hong Kong has called on her peers to speak out against violence as demonstrations in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region continue, striking a heavy blow to Hong Kong's economy and social stability, Guangzhou Daily reported on August 24, 2019.

"I am writing this letter because I don't think silence will help Hong Kong today. Every Hong Kong citizen with courage and a sense of justice should stand up and speak out," wrote Zheng Junzhi, who turned 18 this year.

The open letter from Zheng Junzhi (photo/Guangzhou Daily)

"Both 'Hong Kong Independence' activists and anti-China forces have underestimated the central government's determination to maintain social stability in Hong Kong," Zheng wrote.

Zheng mentioned that some classmates asked her to go to the demonstration, but she didn't think this was appropriate behavior. In her opinion, the task of students is to study, to cultivate independent thinking, and to contribute to society. She tried to persuade her classmates not to interfere with their studies.

Zheng Junzhi's painting. (photo/Guangzhou Daily)

Zheng Junzhi and her family have taken part in several activities to support the police, including sending paintings to police officers. On the launch of a family fun day for Chinese companies in Hong Kong on Aug. 24, she showed off her latest painting depicting a pair of hands hold up "Hong Kong" and three police officers, with the text "Thank you, Sir! Support the police!"

As for the retaliation which might ensue from anti-China forces, she showed no fear.

"There's nothing wrong with what I'm doing, so I'm not afraid."

Zheng added that in the future, she hopes to become a teacher and pass on her thoughts and feelings of patriotism and love for Hong Kong to her students.

This summer, Zheng's family visited Yangshuo in Guilin, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In her letter, Zheng wrote of the beautiful scenery and hospitable people in Guilin.

"I would like to say to the young people who took part in the demonstration in Hong Kong to know more about the history of our motherland. Go back to our motherland to see and feel its rapid development. Don't be fooled by bad people or you may have regret for the rest of the life," said Zheng.