Commentary: Hong Kong's status as int'l financial hub should be cherished

A customer enters a store with sales promotion event in Hong Kong, south China, Aug. 21, 2019. Hong Kong's favorable international image and business environment has been tarnished as violent and disruptive protests have been going on for more than two months. The disturbance's direct and negative effects on the economy are visible in the retail, catering and tourism industries, which have to resort to layoffs amid the sharp declines in sales, customer numbers and revenue. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)