1995 "Apple Daily" founding editorial full text: We belong to Hong Kong

we belong to hong kong

What we want to run is a newspaper for Hong Kong people.

There are still two years before the handover of Hong Kong's political power. If you run a newspaper at this time, aren't you afraid that the situation will change after 1997? We are afraid. But we don't want to be intimidated by fear. We are even less willing to be blinded by pessimism. We must face the future positively and optimistically, because we are Hong Kong people!

In the past, Hong Kong people created miracles with their own hands; in the future, Hong Kong people will create more miracles, because Hong Kong people are miracles.

isn't it? We have created the freest and richest place in China's history, a place that is on par with New York, London, Tokyo and other world-class metropolises. How can we put an end to this miracle?

On the world's information corridor, although Hong Kong is only a small room, we are clear and transparent, and communicate with the entire world at all times: every minute and every second is watched by the world's media and monitored by world public opinion. Under the watchful eyes of the whole world, who dares to act recklessly against Hong Kong?

We have a well-connected information network that closely follows the pulse of the world, a fine tradition of freedom and the rule of law, and countless world-class talents... We have played an irreplaceable positive role in China and world trade. Weighing the pros and cons, can China allow us to have a free and abundant living space?

We are Chinese citizens and citizens of the world. We belong to China and also belong to the whole world.

Even after 1997, our confidence in the freedom of the press in Hong Kong will never waver, because we have confidence in the transparent power of information technology, because we firmly believe that darkness cannot cover the light. Yes, no matter in Hong Kong or anywhere in the world, the transparent power of the media is the greatest guarantee of freedom and prosperity.

In today's world of transparent information, the power of people's freedom of choice is more powerful than any other force. As long as readers choose us, support our reports, and agree with our positions, no matter how much pressure there is, we will definitely stand up. That's right, what we want is the support of readers, not the support of any forces. As long as we do our job well, we firmly believe that sharp-eyed readers will definitely support us.

We firmly believe that Hong Kong people who are accustomed to freedom will not tolerate unreasonable restrictions and unfair treatment, because Hong Kong people are born with a passion for freedom.

"Apple Daily" is a newspaper for Hong Kong people, and the intentions of Hong Kong people are our intentions.

We will stick to our jobs faithfully and be honest and proud Hongkongers.

Editorial of the first issue of "Apple Daily"
June 20, 1995