A senior Hong Kong finance official has dismissed criticism of the city’s prospects as driven by “bias against China,” following a recent commentary by American economist Stephen Roach. The official's rebuttal, which did not name any specific critic, came after Roach wrote an opinion article asserting that “the Hong Kong of old is over” and describing the city as having become a mainland Chinese city. The government’s response underscored its stance that such assessments are not objective but reflect prejudice against China. Roach, a prominent economist known for his earlier warnings about China’s economic trajectory, has long been a commentator on Asian markets. The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Hong Kong’s defenders and outside observers who view the city’s integration with mainland China as eroding its distinct identity. The official’s remarks were published shortly after Roach's article appeared, though the government did not specify which outlet carried the piece. Hong Kong authorities have consistently sought to counter narratives that the city has lost its unique status since the implementation of the national security law and other integration measures.