Henry Tang, President of The Legion d'Honneur Club, calls for international cooperation to overcome rising protectionism

HONG KONG, Apr 20, 2026 - ( JCN Newswire ) - Henry Tang said today at the inaugural Asia-Pacific Symposium organised by The Legion d'Honneur Club that rising geopolitical tensions and protectionism reinforce the need to build a community with a shared future for mankind - a call made by the Chinese Mainland in which Hong Kong has an important role to play.

The Legion d'Honneur Club is the Hong Kong chapter of the Society of Members of the Legion d'Honneur (the Hong Kong Chapter). The Legion d'Honneur is the highest and most prestigious civilian and military honour of France, instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 and conferred by the President of France to recognise outstanding service or acts of bravery.

The inaugural Asia-Pacific Symposium, titled Regional Exchange and Institutional Cohesion, was held today. Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government, Admiral Alain Coldefy, President of the Society of Members of the Legion d'Honneur, and Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, officiated at the event. In addition, Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, shared with participants, including representatives from Australia, France, the Philippines, and Thailand, the development of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. (Photo 1, 2 & 3)

In the welcome remarks, Henry Tang said that Hong Kong's strength lies in international exchange and cooperation. Hong Kong has long been a staunch advocate of multilateralism as well as open and free economy. The city's legal and financial infrastructure aligns with international standards. Under the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems', Hong Kong stands as an international financial centre and a global hub for business and culture, championing diversity, openness, and inclusion.

He added that Hong Kong's future brings vast opportunities. The National 15th Five-Year Plan clearly mandates that Hong Kong maintains its status as an international financial centre while developing an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and an international I&T hub. Strategically located at the southeastern tip of China and serving as a pivotal gateway between China and the rest of the world, Hong Kong will certainly benefit from the development of our motherland.

The Hong Kong Chapter will continue to deepen cooperation with its French counterparts - especially the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong & Macau - to pursue joint efforts in education, science, and culture, said Henry Tang, to enrich public life.

He concluded that the true legacy of the Legion d'Honneur is not the medals they wear, but the trust they build. The Hong Kong Chapter will continue to serve as a dynamic global stage where that trust is translated into tangible action and meaningful impact.

20 April 2026

Photo 1: (From left to right) Gerard Millet, Vice president of the Legion d'Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter); Admiral Alain Coldefy, President of the Society of Members of the Legion d'Honneur; Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Henry Tang, President of the Legion d'Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter), and Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau.

Photo 2: The Legion d?Honneur Club holds its first Asia-Pacific Symposium today, attended by Henry Tang, President of the Legion d?Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter) (second right); Chan Kwok-ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government (fourth right); Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau (first right); Gerard Millet, Vice president of the Legion d?Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter) (first left); Councillors of the Legion d?Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter): David Li (third right); Michael Kadoorie (third left), and Christopher Cheng (second left).

Photo 3: (From left to right) Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, and Henry Tang, President of the Legion d'Honneur Club (the Hong Kong Chapter).

About The Legion d'Honneur Club

The Legion d'Honneur Club is the Hong Kong chapter of The Society of Members of the Legion d'Honneur (the Hong Kong Chapter). It was established in 2002. The Club fosters connections and creates opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, promoting French culture, language, and the arts between the HKSAR of China and France. It provides a unique forum for members who have excelled in business, the arts, philanthropy, and public service.