Twenty-five years ago on July 1, Hong Kong returned to the embrace of the motherland. This ended past humiliation and marked a major step forward toward the complete reunification of China.
Since the very day of its return, Hong Kong has been re-integrated into China’s national governance system, embarking on a broad road along which it and the mainland draw on each other’s strengths and pursue common development, and starting a new era featuring a high degree of autonomy.
Thanks to the support of the motherland and with an international vision and an innovative spirit, Hong Kong has in the last 25 years continued to develop itself as a modern metropolis. The practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong, like the growth of a seedling, has become strong and robust despite wind and rain and yielded many fruits.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee and Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, proceeding with a strategic view and bearing in mind the big picture, have made a series of important remarks and major decisions on the work related to Hong Kong. The practice of “One Country, Two Systems” has gained new experiences and progress.
Under the support of the Central Government and the mainland, as well as the joint efforts of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the people of Hong Kong, the special administrative region has constantly developed its economy and consolidated its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center. The democratic rights and freedom enjoyed by Hong Kong citizens are better guaranteed, and progress has been made in all aspects of Hong Kong.
When Hong Kong faced an extended period of damaging social unrest, the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core has taken a series of major decisions, based on a clear understanding of the situation in the region. These include enhancing the central government’s exercise of overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, and to improving relevant systems and mechanisms for enforcing the Constitution and the Basic Laws. The CPC Central Committee has pushed for the establishment and improvement of the special administrative region’ legal systems and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, the enactment of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR, the refinement of the electoral system of the HKSAR, and the implementation of the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong. The Central Committee supported the special administrative regions in improving the oath-taking system for holders of public office. These measures address both the symptoms and root causes of the unrest, and have restored order to Hong Kong.
Practices have fully proved that “patriots governing Hong Kong” must be followed in order to ensure long-term stability of “One Country, Two Systems.” It is a fundamental principle concerning national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as the long-term prosperity and stability of the HKSAR.
Only when Hong Kong is governed by patriots, can the Central Government effectively exercise overall jurisdiction over the special administrative region, and the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law well protected.
Only when Hong Kong is governed by patriots, can deep-rooted problems be addressed and Hong Kong’s long-term stability ensured.
One who has waded through a muddy road knows the value of a broad path; one who has weathered rains and storms cherishes the warmth of sunshine. The extraordinary experience of Hong Kong in the past 25 years since its return to the motherland fully proves that the implementation of “One Country, Two Systems” is conducive to protecting the fundamental interests of the country, of Hong Kong and of Hong Kong citizens.
General secretary Xi pointed out that despite challenges over the past 25 years, the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong has been a resounding success.
The CPC Central Committee will keep unswervingly implementing “One Country, Two Systems.” As progresses are made and relevant systems improved, “One Country, Two System” will further release its advantages and achieve greater success.
