In a video presentation with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Smith said that the "one country, two systems" was a new concept that "seemed to work fine" in the early years of Hong Kong's handover, but that he believed Hong Kong's autonomy had been compromised in recent years.

He believed that turning Hong Kong into another mainland city would do no one any good. Hong Kong's status as an international business hub will also be undermined if the situation continues.

As he departed, he called on Beijing to "let Hong Kong be Hong Kong.

Smith arrived in Hong Kong in July 2019 and was understood to be leaving soon.