新民黨 總結2021年立法會選舉結果
日期︰2021 年 12 月 20 日
新民黨今天（20日）舉行記者會，總結昨天（19日）舉行的2021年立法會換屆選舉，已公布的選舉結果。新民黨對新選舉制度下的選舉結果表示高度肯定與非常滿意，在完善香港選舉制度後，香港社會已回復穩定，昨天的選舉過程安全有序，呼籲各界齊心開創香港未來新篇章，新民黨在立法會選舉勝出的五位候選人將迎接新選制下的議會新氣象。
新選制下選舉結果已定 期待議會新篇章
是次立法會選舉，新民黨共派出六位候選人，最終點票後，共五位候選人當選，包括參選地區直選港島西區的葉劉淑儀女士、新界東北區的李梓敬先生；選舉委員會界別的黎棟國先生、容海恩女士與陳家珮女士。
新民黨對是次選舉結果非常滿意，認為是完善選舉制度後的重大勝利，感謝所有選民對新民黨理念的支持，希望新民黨晉身議會的成員，成為議會的中間力量，一方面監察政府，一方面以事論事，推動理性、文明、溫和的新議會文化，不做破壞或攻擊的事。而完善選舉制度後，新一屆議會將由來自不同界別與專業的精英組成，預期新任議員將推動未來香港經濟與大灣區發展。
新民黨非常滿意選舉結果 感謝每位選民支持
成功連任立法會議員的新民黨主席葉劉淑儀女士表示：「我感謝各位傳媒連日報導我們的競選活動，並出席今天的記者會。新民黨對是次選舉結果非常滿意！我們六位候選人，共有五人獲勝，包括三位參選選委會界別的候選人全部當選，而三位參選地區直選的候選人，有兩位高票當選，包括我與李梓敬先生，而廖添誠先生雖然落選，也是高票落選，他與第二位當選者票數只相差三千多票，雖敗猶榮。廖添誠在港島東區競選的表現非常好，得票數目顯示取得新民黨核心支持者的支持，我們非常高興有此成績。」
葉太認為新選制投票率合理
「對於很多傳媒關注的選舉投票率，我覺得不應將是次選舉投票率，與過往多場選舉的投票率相比較，因這次是全新的制度，立法會改組為三大板塊，包括地區直選、功能界別與選委會界別，地區直選與過往的直選方法也有所修改，因此與過往選舉投票率作比較是不恰當。而是次新選制下的立法會選舉，有30%以上的投票率，我認為是相當不錯。」
「個別選區如我所屬的港島西選區，我對所得的票數也相當滿意。因港島西的選民人數，是十個選區之中最少的一個，只有三十七萬多人，但我取得的票數有近六萬六千票，比我在2016年選舉，整個港島選區有六十多萬選民，當年我取得六萬一千多票更多。我衷心感謝各位選民、我們的支持者、競選團隊、鄉親等眾多團體的支持。」
葉太又稱：「我的支持者之中，有跨種族與國籍的支持，如印度人、德國人、美國人、英國人、猶太人，也有基層與專業人士，我很高興獲得跨種族與國籍人士的支持。」
首度晉身議會 黎棟國冀新選制下議會和平理性
成功循選委會界別當選的新民黨常務副主席黎棟國先生表示：「我希望籍此機會感謝選舉委員會的委員、廣大市民、新民黨團隊的支持與協助。我的選舉工程起步比較遲。我在競選過程中深深體會到五十一位選委會界別候選人，在平和、理性的環境下，各就自己的政綱發表非常有建設性的意見，也充分體現出理性、和平的討論。我很期待新一屆立法會有同樣的氣象，大家齊心合力，為香港面對的問題提出良方，共同解決問題，造福社會。」
容海恩成功連任 將各界聲音帶入議會
成功循選委會界別當選，成功連任的新民黨副主席容海恩女士說：「感謝新民黨團隊、支持我們的選委與市民，這次選舉我們以團隊形式拉票，得到多個界別團體的支持。對於多個界別廣泛對我們表示支持，我們非常感動。我們希望將各個團體的關注帶入議會，這些代表不同界別的團體聲音需要被重視，我了解到過去多年他們被忽略。希望我們可做到促成者的角色，與政府有良好的合作關係，加強對各界與社會的關注。」
她希望各位可繼續支持新民黨的理念，又承諾為各界別階層的組織建立密切聯繫。「對於鄉親團體對我們的支持，我們非常感謝。選舉以來他們努力為我們拉票，如果沒有他們協助我們三位代表新民黨出選的選委會界別候選人，難以一同進入立法會，因此感謝各團體對我們的協助與支持。」
陳家珮首度晉身議會 冀助港走出經濟困局
同樣循選委會界別當選的陳家珮女士稱：「多謝各位傳媒連日的報導，我在此也向廣大市民道謝，支持我們三位選委會界別的候選人，讓我們當選。我們會為各位做到承諾大家的政綱，認真監察政府，做政府與市民，與政府與業界的橋樑。我期待與其餘八十九位立法會議員，在未來四年，讓香港走出經濟與疫情的困局。」
李梓敬地區直選票數鼓舞 加強與市民社交網絡聯繫
至於另一位地區直選當選的李梓敬先生表示：「感謝每位支持新民黨與本人參選的市民，也感謝新民黨與葉太一直以來對我的栽培與給予機會。這次我得票六萬一千多票，與另一位當選的現任立法議員幾乎平分秋色，我對結果非常滿意，甚至喜出望外！之所以有這個成績，反映新民黨的理念獲得認同，也反映新民黨、公民力量在社區紥根已久，長期的地區工作獲得肯定。」
「見到多個分區有近七成票數投票給我，反映團隊與義工的拉票工作成功。另外，也有媒體問我，網絡支持者是否能轉為票數，今次選舉，無論是我的得票或另一區的網絡意見領袖候選人得票，就算不是我們經營地區工作的地區，所得票數也有近30%，反映網絡世界，網絡流量某程度上能夠轉化為選票。未來無論是新民黨或其他建制民意代表，善用社交媒體，相信是可進一步思考的問題。我更要多謝支持我們的社團、地區團體等，作為議會新人，我會跟隨葉太、黎棟國先生與容海恩女士，在議會多多學習，希望新的氣象下服務香港市民。」李梓敬先生總結。
廖添誠雖敗猶榮 將繼續服務社區
以些微票數落敗的廖添誠先生說：「這次選舉，有很多人投票給我，但我最終未能贏得議席，我要向我的支持者表示抱歉，我會繼續努力。在選舉過程中，要感謝葉太、黎棟國先生與團隊的指導與新民黨上下的無私奉獻，為我打拼。也要感謝不同地區的團體、鄉親與新民黨支持者，與義工們，為我參選付出時間與精神，我表示無限感激。我不會放棄服務社區，未來會繼續服務市民，堅守新民黨的理念，期待下次參選再取好成績。」
|
|
|
特朗普毁掉美國價值 / Trump Has Destroyed American Values
文章
![]()
美國在二戰協助盟軍打敗德國、日本等軸心國，一直塑造「英雄」形象，加上戰後憑藉主導西方媒體的優勢，荷李活電影風行全球，亦透過電視劇、社交媒體等，宣揚自由、開放、英雄等「美式價值」，並以「自由民主」的旗號獲得世界贊同。然而，美國這種精心營造的拯救世界、自由開放、民主文明的形象，卻在特朗普執政下徹底粉碎。
特朗普的言行大大削弱了美國長久以來營造的軟實力和國際形象；例如他信口開河說要加拿大成為美國第51個州，又說要把加沙變為旅遊區，將巴勒斯坦人送去其他中東阿拉伯國家，簽署行政命令將「墨西哥灣」（Gulfof Mexico）改名為「美國灣」（Gulfof America），要求Google等地圖供應商跟隨更名，這些行為均違反聯合國原則，完全無視別國主權和國土疆界。
儘管美國官員稱特朗普無意進攻加拿大，但加拿大總理杜魯多認為特朗普的恐嚇是認真的，吞併加拿大的威脅確實存在。不排除他會如俄羅斯般採取「特別軍事行動」（specialmilitary operation），特朗普一方面譴責俄羅斯入侵烏克蘭，另一方面威嚇別國，與俄羅斯的「特別軍事行動」本質上有何分別呢？
特朗普簽署行政命令將「墨西哥灣」改名為「美國灣」，並要求地圖供應商跟隨更名；有意見認為這只是特朗普的第一步，改名後他極有可能進而吞併墨西哥，墨西哥無力抵抗。這與美國對台灣議題的傳統立場有很大衝擊，雖然美國表面上同意「一個中國原則」，但其實不願見到中國統一，因此經常表示反對中國用武力改變台海現狀。但如果美國可以隨便改變別國的疆界，怎可以反對中國統一？歷任美國總統努力塑造的所謂「道德高地」，將在特朗普執政下變得支離破碎。特朗普的荒謬舉動不僅讓美國的國際形象徹底崩塌，自由民主的「美式價值」亦顯得虛偽不堪。
Trump Has Destroyed American Values
The United States has long portrayed itself as a "hero"—from helping the Allies defeat Germany, Japan, and the Axis powers in World War II to leveraging its dominance in Western media. Hollywood movies, television series, and social media have spread American values of freedom, openness, and heroism worldwide, winning international support under the banner of "liberty and democracy." However, this carefully crafted image of a world-saving, free, and democratic America has been completely shattered under Donald Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s words and actions have severely weakened America’s soft power and international reputation. For example, he casually suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, proposed turning Gaza into a tourist destination by relocating Palestinians to other Arab nations, and even signed an executive order to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America," demanding that Google and other map providers follow suit. These actions violate United Nations principles and blatantly disregard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.
Although U.S. officials claim that Trump has no intention of invading Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes Trump’s threats seriously, believing that the possibility of annexing Canada is real. It is not impossible that Trump could launch a "special military operation" similar to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. On one hand, Trump condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine, yet on the other, he threatens other nations—how is this any different from Russia’s so-called "special military operation"?
Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" raises concerns that this might just be the first step toward annexing Mexico—a country that lacks the military strength to resist. This move directly contradicts the United States’ long-standing stance on Taiwan. While the U.S. officially acknowledges the "One China Principle," it actively opposes China's reunification efforts, frequently warning against the use of force to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. But if America itself can arbitrarily change another country's borders, how can it object to China's unification efforts? The so-called "moral high ground" that past U.S. presidents worked so hard to establish is now falling apart under Trump.
Trump’s absurd and reckless actions have not only completely destroyed America’s international reputation but have also exposed the hypocrisy of American values such as freedom and democracy. The once-glorified "American ideals" now appear hollow and deceitful under his rule.
|
|
|
特朗普的新帝國主義 / Trump's New Imperialism
文章
![]()
很多反美人士會斥責美國為「美帝」，打着民主旗號，其實奉行帝國主義。特朗普上台後，以雷霆萬鈞之勢撕破「民主自由」的華麗外衣，赤裸裸地讓世人目睹其新帝國主義的真面目。
《經濟學人》（The Economist ）最近發表一篇題為Project 1897: The imperial presidency 的文章，指特朗普在21 世紀實施19 世紀的帝國主義，並試圖擴大美式疆土主義。特朗普在就職演辭中唯一讚賞的美國總統是威廉·麥金利（William McKinley），麥金利在1897 至1901 年期間擔任美國第25 任總統，在位期間為了擴大美國疆土，兼併了夏威夷、關島、菲律賓和波多黎各。麥金利是在財閥支持下坐上總統寶座，約翰·摩根（J.P. Morgan）及約翰·洛克菲勒（John D. Rockefeller）等巨頭都是其背後支持者。此外，麥金利擅於運用關稅措施來達到目的，曾強迫國會通過法例將關稅增至近50%。這些特點都與特朗普非常相似。
特朗普上任後狂言一浪接一浪，首先指加拿大應成為美國第51 個州，說要收購格陵蘭，繼而簽署行政命令將「墨西哥灣」（Gulf of Mexico）改名為「美國灣」（Gulf of America），並要求Google 等地圖供應商跟隨更名；最近更稱加沙應由美國接管改造為度假區等等，可見他徹底無視別國主權，擴張野心展露無遺，並且將一切視作一盤生意，計劃透過擴大美國版圖，掠奪更多資源。
《經濟學人》直言不諱地形容特朗普是一個「帝國主義的總統」，批評他在21 世紀施行19 世紀美國霸權擴張年代的政策。這種赤裸裸的帝國主義行徑，與美國長期以來宣揚的「民主自由」價值觀形成強烈反差，正因如此，世人應「感謝」特朗普的所作所為，他讓世界看清帝國主義的嘴臉。
Trump's New Imperialism
Many anti-American critics denounce the United States as an "American Empire," claiming that it operates under the banner of democracy while actually practicing imperialism. After Donald Trump took office, he swiftly tore apart the glamorous façade of "democracy and freedom," blatantly exposing the true nature of his new imperialism to the world.
The Economist recently published an article titled Project 1897: The Imperial Presidency, arguing that Trump is implementing 19th-century imperialism in the 21st century while attempting to expand American territorial ambitions. During his inaugural address, the only U.S. president Trump praised was William McKinley, who served as the 25th president of the United States from 1897 to 1901. During McKinley’s tenure, he expanded U.S. territory by annexing Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico. McKinley rose to power with the backing of corporate tycoons such as J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller. Additionally, McKinley was skilled at leveraging tariffs to achieve his goals, once forcing Congress to pass legislation that raised tariffs to nearly 50%. These characteristics bear a striking resemblance to Trump’s approach.
Since taking office, Trump has made a series of bold and controversial statements. He first suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, then proposed purchasing Greenland. He later signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" and even demanded that mapping services like Google Maps follow suit. More recently, he suggested that Gaza should be taken over by the United States and transformed into a resort destination. These actions demonstrate his blatant disregard for other nations' sovereignty and reveal his unrestrained expansionist ambitions. Viewing everything as a business venture, Trump seemingly plans to expand U.S. territory to seize more resources.
The Economist bluntly describes Trump as an "imperialist president," criticizing him for implementing policies reminiscent of America's 19th-century expansionist era in the 21st century. This undisguised imperialism starkly contrasts with the longstanding American values of "democracy and freedom." In a sense, the world should "thank" Trump for his actions—because he has exposed the true face of imperialism for all to see.
|
|
|
應鼓勵國內外製作公司來港拍攝 / Encourage Domestic and Foreign Production Companies to Film in Hong Kong
文章
![]()
香港電影業陷入低潮，有資深電影界人士更表示香港的電影業很難起死回生。對於目前本地電影製作較少，我認為特區政府應推出政策，大力鼓勵國內外的製作公司來港取景拍電影、電視劇、網劇等，這樣不但能宣傳香港，拍攝期間將創造一定的工作機會，一舉多得。
我舉一個著名例子，荷李活巨片《蝙蝠俠：黑夜之神》有一個經典場景正是在香港取景，蝙蝠俠在國際金融中心一躍而下的那瞬間，向全球宣傳香港的作用，勝過特區政府花費數千萬在海外賣廣告推廣。
海外電影尤其是荷李活這類大製作來港拍攝，未必整個劇組的每一員都一同跨越數千甚至上萬公里來工作，其間則需要在香港招募電影從業員，如燈光師、化妝師、臨時演員等台前幕後人員，將創造不少工作機會，紓緩從業員目前因開戲少而開工不足的情况。
據報，在新西蘭取景的《魔戒》第一季影集，拍攝製作預算約為4.65 億美元，當中新西蘭政府已補貼逾1 億美元，拍攝期間單計第一季已在當地直接或間接創造近2000 個工作機會。拍攝場地發展為旅遊景點，持續為當地帶來龐大的旅遊收益。
事實上，世界有很多地方深諳此道，不但打開方便之門，支持國外電影公司到當地拍電影，更有資助計劃，例如新西蘭政府會向製作公司補貼最高25% 的製作成本，韓國提供最高25% 補貼，法國政府提供最高30% 退稅補貼，實際資助金額視乎是否滿足當地政府條件，如冰島政府更提供最高35% 補貼，製作方要獲得最高補貼額，需滿足多項條件，例如在當地直接聘請指定人數的人員等。鄰近如澳門亦已於2023 年推出了「『澳門取景』影視拍攝資金補助計劃」，資助外地拍攝團隊在澳門拍攝的40% 支出，資助範圍更涵蓋音樂錄像、綜藝節目等。香港過去是東方荷李活，如今也不能落後太多，必須急起直追。
Encourage Domestic and Foreign Production Companies to Film in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's film industry has fallen into a slump, with some senior figures in the field expressing that it is difficult for the local industry to recover. Given the current decline in local film productions, I believe the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government should implement policies to strongly encourage domestic and foreign production companies to film movies, TV dramas, web series, and more in Hong Kong. This would not only promote Hong Kong but also create job opportunities during the filming process, achieving multiple benefits at once.
Let me provide a well-known example: the Hollywood blockbuster 《The Dark Knight》 featured a classic scene filmed in Hong Kong, where Batman leapt from the International Finance Centre. This moment showcased Hong Kong to the world and was more effective than the SAR government spending tens of millions on overseas advertisements to promote the city.
When overseas productions, especially large-scale Hollywood projects, come to Hong Kong to film, it is unlikely that every single member of the crew will travel thousands or even tens of thousands of kilometers to work on location. During such productions, local recruitment becomes necessary for roles such as lighting technicians, makeup artists, and extras, creating numerous job opportunities for both on-screen and behind-the-scenes workers. This could alleviate the current underemployment issue faced by industry professionals due to a lack of projects being filmed.
According to reports, the first season of 《The Lord of the Rings》 series, filmed in New Zealand, had a production budget of approximately USD 465 million. The New Zealand government subsidized over USD 100 million of this budget, and during the filming of the first season alone, it directly or indirectly created nearly 2,000 job opportunities in the area. The filming locations were later developed into tourist attractions, generating significant and ongoing tourism revenue for the region.
In fact, many places around the world understand this strategy well. They not only open their doors to support foreign film companies but also offer financial incentives. For example, the New Zealand government provides subsidies of up to 25% of production costs, South Korea offers up to 25% subsidies, and the French government provides tax rebates of up to 30%. The actual subsidy amounts depend on whether certain conditions set by the local governments are met. For example, Iceland offers subsidies of up to 35%, but to qualify for the maximum amount, production teams must meet several conditions, such as hiring a specified number of local personnel. Closer to home, Macau introduced the “Macau Filming Support Program” in 2023, which subsidizes 40% of expenses for foreign production teams filming in Macau. The scope of subsidies even includes music videos and variety shows.
Hong Kong, once known as the "Hollywood of the East," cannot afford to lag too far behind. It must act quickly to catch up.
|
|
美國在二戰協助盟軍打敗德國、日本等軸心國，一直塑造「英雄」形象，加上戰後憑藉主導西方媒體的優勢，荷李活電影風行全球，亦透過電視劇、社交媒體等，宣揚自由、開放、英雄等「美式價值」，並以「自由民主」的旗號獲得世界贊同。然而，美國這種精心營造的拯救世界、自由開放、民主文明的形象，卻在特朗普執政下徹底粉碎。
特朗普的言行大大削弱了美國長久以來營造的軟實力和國際形象；例如他信口開河說要加拿大成為美國第51個州，又說要把加沙變為旅遊區，將巴勒斯坦人送去其他中東阿拉伯國家，簽署行政命令將「墨西哥灣」（Gulfof Mexico）改名為「美國灣」（Gulfof America），要求Google等地圖供應商跟隨更名，這些行為均違反聯合國原則，完全無視別國主權和國土疆界。
儘管美國官員稱特朗普無意進攻加拿大，但加拿大總理杜魯多認為特朗普的恐嚇是認真的，吞併加拿大的威脅確實存在。不排除他會如俄羅斯般採取「特別軍事行動」（specialmilitary operation），特朗普一方面譴責俄羅斯入侵烏克蘭，另一方面威嚇別國，與俄羅斯的「特別軍事行動」本質上有何分別呢？
特朗普簽署行政命令將「墨西哥灣」改名為「美國灣」，並要求地圖供應商跟隨更名；有意見認為這只是特朗普的第一步，改名後他極有可能進而吞併墨西哥，墨西哥無力抵抗。這與美國對台灣議題的傳統立場有很大衝擊，雖然美國表面上同意「一個中國原則」，但其實不願見到中國統一，因此經常表示反對中國用武力改變台海現狀。但如果美國可以隨便改變別國的疆界，怎可以反對中國統一？歷任美國總統努力塑造的所謂「道德高地」，將在特朗普執政下變得支離破碎。特朗普的荒謬舉動不僅讓美國的國際形象徹底崩塌，自由民主的「美式價值」亦顯得虛偽不堪。
Trump Has Destroyed American Values
The United States has long portrayed itself as a "hero"—from helping the Allies defeat Germany, Japan, and the Axis powers in World War II to leveraging its dominance in Western media. Hollywood movies, television series, and social media have spread American values of freedom, openness, and heroism worldwide, winning international support under the banner of "liberty and democracy." However, this carefully crafted image of a world-saving, free, and democratic America has been completely shattered under Donald Trump’s leadership.
Trump’s words and actions have severely weakened America’s soft power and international reputation. For example, he casually suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, proposed turning Gaza into a tourist destination by relocating Palestinians to other Arab nations, and even signed an executive order to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America," demanding that Google and other map providers follow suit. These actions violate United Nations principles and blatantly disregard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.
Although U.S. officials claim that Trump has no intention of invading Canada, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau takes Trump’s threats seriously, believing that the possibility of annexing Canada is real. It is not impossible that Trump could launch a "special military operation" similar to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. On one hand, Trump condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine, yet on the other, he threatens other nations—how is this any different from Russia’s so-called "special military operation"?
Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" raises concerns that this might just be the first step toward annexing Mexico—a country that lacks the military strength to resist. This move directly contradicts the United States’ long-standing stance on Taiwan. While the U.S. officially acknowledges the "One China Principle," it actively opposes China's reunification efforts, frequently warning against the use of force to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. But if America itself can arbitrarily change another country's borders, how can it object to China's unification efforts? The so-called "moral high ground" that past U.S. presidents worked so hard to establish is now falling apart under Trump.
Trump’s absurd and reckless actions have not only completely destroyed America’s international reputation but have also exposed the hypocrisy of American values such as freedom and democracy. The once-glorified "American ideals" now appear hollow and deceitful under his rule.
很多反美人士會斥責美國為「美帝」，打着民主旗號，其實奉行帝國主義。特朗普上台後，以雷霆萬鈞之勢撕破「民主自由」的華麗外衣，赤裸裸地讓世人目睹其新帝國主義的真面目。
《經濟學人》（The Economist ）最近發表一篇題為Project 1897: The imperial presidency 的文章，指特朗普在21 世紀實施19 世紀的帝國主義，並試圖擴大美式疆土主義。特朗普在就職演辭中唯一讚賞的美國總統是威廉·麥金利（William McKinley），麥金利在1897 至1901 年期間擔任美國第25 任總統，在位期間為了擴大美國疆土，兼併了夏威夷、關島、菲律賓和波多黎各。麥金利是在財閥支持下坐上總統寶座，約翰·摩根（J.P. Morgan）及約翰·洛克菲勒（John D. Rockefeller）等巨頭都是其背後支持者。此外，麥金利擅於運用關稅措施來達到目的，曾強迫國會通過法例將關稅增至近50%。這些特點都與特朗普非常相似。
特朗普上任後狂言一浪接一浪，首先指加拿大應成為美國第51 個州，說要收購格陵蘭，繼而簽署行政命令將「墨西哥灣」（Gulf of Mexico）改名為「美國灣」（Gulf of America），並要求Google 等地圖供應商跟隨更名；最近更稱加沙應由美國接管改造為度假區等等，可見他徹底無視別國主權，擴張野心展露無遺，並且將一切視作一盤生意，計劃透過擴大美國版圖，掠奪更多資源。
《經濟學人》直言不諱地形容特朗普是一個「帝國主義的總統」，批評他在21 世紀施行19 世紀美國霸權擴張年代的政策。這種赤裸裸的帝國主義行徑，與美國長期以來宣揚的「民主自由」價值觀形成強烈反差，正因如此，世人應「感謝」特朗普的所作所為，他讓世界看清帝國主義的嘴臉。
Trump's New Imperialism
Many anti-American critics denounce the United States as an "American Empire," claiming that it operates under the banner of democracy while actually practicing imperialism. After Donald Trump took office, he swiftly tore apart the glamorous façade of "democracy and freedom," blatantly exposing the true nature of his new imperialism to the world.
The Economist recently published an article titled Project 1897: The Imperial Presidency, arguing that Trump is implementing 19th-century imperialism in the 21st century while attempting to expand American territorial ambitions. During his inaugural address, the only U.S. president Trump praised was William McKinley, who served as the 25th president of the United States from 1897 to 1901. During McKinley’s tenure, he expanded U.S. territory by annexing Hawaii, Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico. McKinley rose to power with the backing of corporate tycoons such as J.P. Morgan and John D. Rockefeller. Additionally, McKinley was skilled at leveraging tariffs to achieve his goals, once forcing Congress to pass legislation that raised tariffs to nearly 50%. These characteristics bear a striking resemblance to Trump’s approach.
Since taking office, Trump has made a series of bold and controversial statements. He first suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, then proposed purchasing Greenland. He later signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" and even demanded that mapping services like Google Maps follow suit. More recently, he suggested that Gaza should be taken over by the United States and transformed into a resort destination. These actions demonstrate his blatant disregard for other nations' sovereignty and reveal his unrestrained expansionist ambitions. Viewing everything as a business venture, Trump seemingly plans to expand U.S. territory to seize more resources.
The Economist bluntly describes Trump as an "imperialist president," criticizing him for implementing policies reminiscent of America's 19th-century expansionist era in the 21st century. This undisguised imperialism starkly contrasts with the longstanding American values of "democracy and freedom." In a sense, the world should "thank" Trump for his actions—because he has exposed the true face of imperialism for all to see.
香港電影業陷入低潮，有資深電影界人士更表示香港的電影業很難起死回生。對於目前本地電影製作較少，我認為特區政府應推出政策，大力鼓勵國內外的製作公司來港取景拍電影、電視劇、網劇等，這樣不但能宣傳香港，拍攝期間將創造一定的工作機會，一舉多得。
我舉一個著名例子，荷李活巨片《蝙蝠俠：黑夜之神》有一個經典場景正是在香港取景，蝙蝠俠在國際金融中心一躍而下的那瞬間，向全球宣傳香港的作用，勝過特區政府花費數千萬在海外賣廣告推廣。
海外電影尤其是荷李活這類大製作來港拍攝，未必整個劇組的每一員都一同跨越數千甚至上萬公里來工作，其間則需要在香港招募電影從業員，如燈光師、化妝師、臨時演員等台前幕後人員，將創造不少工作機會，紓緩從業員目前因開戲少而開工不足的情况。
據報，在新西蘭取景的《魔戒》第一季影集，拍攝製作預算約為4.65 億美元，當中新西蘭政府已補貼逾1 億美元，拍攝期間單計第一季已在當地直接或間接創造近2000 個工作機會。拍攝場地發展為旅遊景點，持續為當地帶來龐大的旅遊收益。
事實上，世界有很多地方深諳此道，不但打開方便之門，支持國外電影公司到當地拍電影，更有資助計劃，例如新西蘭政府會向製作公司補貼最高25% 的製作成本，韓國提供最高25% 補貼，法國政府提供最高30% 退稅補貼，實際資助金額視乎是否滿足當地政府條件，如冰島政府更提供最高35% 補貼，製作方要獲得最高補貼額，需滿足多項條件，例如在當地直接聘請指定人數的人員等。鄰近如澳門亦已於2023 年推出了「『澳門取景』影視拍攝資金補助計劃」，資助外地拍攝團隊在澳門拍攝的40% 支出，資助範圍更涵蓋音樂錄像、綜藝節目等。香港過去是東方荷李活，如今也不能落後太多，必須急起直追。
Encourage Domestic and Foreign Production Companies to Film in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's film industry has fallen into a slump, with some senior figures in the field expressing that it is difficult for the local industry to recover. Given the current decline in local film productions, I believe the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government should implement policies to strongly encourage domestic and foreign production companies to film movies, TV dramas, web series, and more in Hong Kong. This would not only promote Hong Kong but also create job opportunities during the filming process, achieving multiple benefits at once.
Let me provide a well-known example: the Hollywood blockbuster 《The Dark Knight》 featured a classic scene filmed in Hong Kong, where Batman leapt from the International Finance Centre. This moment showcased Hong Kong to the world and was more effective than the SAR government spending tens of millions on overseas advertisements to promote the city.
When overseas productions, especially large-scale Hollywood projects, come to Hong Kong to film, it is unlikely that every single member of the crew will travel thousands or even tens of thousands of kilometers to work on location. During such productions, local recruitment becomes necessary for roles such as lighting technicians, makeup artists, and extras, creating numerous job opportunities for both on-screen and behind-the-scenes workers. This could alleviate the current underemployment issue faced by industry professionals due to a lack of projects being filmed.
According to reports, the first season of 《The Lord of the Rings》 series, filmed in New Zealand, had a production budget of approximately USD 465 million. The New Zealand government subsidized over USD 100 million of this budget, and during the filming of the first season alone, it directly or indirectly created nearly 2,000 job opportunities in the area. The filming locations were later developed into tourist attractions, generating significant and ongoing tourism revenue for the region.
In fact, many places around the world understand this strategy well. They not only open their doors to support foreign film companies but also offer financial incentives. For example, the New Zealand government provides subsidies of up to 25% of production costs, South Korea offers up to 25% subsidies, and the French government provides tax rebates of up to 30%. The actual subsidy amounts depend on whether certain conditions set by the local governments are met. For example, Iceland offers subsidies of up to 35%, but to qualify for the maximum amount, production teams must meet several conditions, such as hiring a specified number of local personnel. Closer to home, Macau introduced the “Macau Filming Support Program” in 2023, which subsidizes 40% of expenses for foreign production teams filming in Macau. The scope of subsidies even includes music videos and variety shows.
Hong Kong, once known as the "Hollywood of the East," cannot afford to lag too far behind. It must act quickly to catch up.