Photo:VCG

Vitasoy released two public statements from late last night to this morning. In comparison to its internal memo released earlier, the attitude of the three documents has gradually changed, and this change obviously took place under the strong pressure of public opinion in the Chinese mainland.

According to the latest statement issued by Vitasoy, the previous internal memo circulating online was not authorized. It was personally written by an employee and forwarded to other staff members internally. The statement said the company makes a "sincere apology" for the troubles and dissatisfaction its memo has caused. The statement says that the company "maintains the right to seek the employee's legal responsibility." It also reads the company "supports the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and severely condemns violence and actions that harm the city's social stability." This attitude is completely different from the circulated internal document issued by the same company, and it is also very different from the perfunctory attitude embodied in the company's previous statement issued last night. Mainland netizens are not generally satisfied with the latest statement, accusing the company of being a "double-dealer."

Hong Kong police immediately classified the attacker who stabbed the police officer on Thursday night as a "lone-wolf domestic terrorist." It is disappointing that Vitasoy, the company that the "lone wolf" worked for, has had such ups and downs. And if there is no pressure from public opinion in the Chinese mainland, it is logical to doubt whether the company would make the subsequent changes.

One year since the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, Hong Kong's political ecology has undergone fundamental changes, and its ecology of public opinion and society are also beginning to change. And these changes can only be shaped by the results of individual events and struggles. They also need the active participation of patriots and people who love Hong Kong, so as to jointly create the righteousness of Hong Kong society. There is no room for ambiguity or vacillation on issues of principle. Whoever does not a have firm stance or engages in opportunism will pay a price.

The Vitasoy issue shows that Hong Kong society's efforts alone are not enough. The mainland should support the positive reshaping of Hong Kong's public opinion and social ecology. Such support is natural and justified and it is also an indispensable part of the "one country, two systems." Hong Kong's public opinion cannot continue to be dragged down by relics from a colonial era, nor should it be hijacked by Western forces. Under the framework of the "one country, two systems," the new pattern of Hong Kong's public opinion should be echoed by the mainland.

Vitasoy was quickly affected by a wrong "internal attitude" this time and hurriedly adjusted it. Hopefully, this lesson will bring demonstration effect and some warnings.

Hong Kong is an international metropolis, but its prosperity first depends on its close ties with the motherland. Everyone and every institution needs to have a deep understanding of this and plan their own future under the larger framework. The "one country, two systems" has given Hong Kong society institutional autonomy, but such autonomy does not mean that some forces can confront the country and the legal system supported by the country. It is undoubtedly the right and wise choice to cut off those few people and forces who are obsessed with carrying out extreme confrontation.

The author is editor-in-chief of the Global Times. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn