Yu urges stronger ties between mainland, Hong Kong youth

Top political adviser Yu Zhengsheng on Friday stressed the importance of strengthening ties between Hong Kong and the mainland by creating more crossboundary exchange opportunities — especially among young people.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks during the opening ceremony of the Fifth Session of the 12th CPPCC National Committee Friday in Beijing.

Delivering the annual CPPCC work report, Yu said more study tours for young people from Hong Kong and Macao, led by the two SARs’ CPPCC members, could be organized. This would enhance their understanding of the nation and also help develop a stronger sense of national identity and a better appreciation of Chinese culture.

He cited the CPPCC’s ongoing efforts to organize field studies and tours for its Hong Kong and Macao members to stay up to date with the latest social and economic developments on the mainland.

Through such close communication and connection across the boundary, people’s patriotic attachment to the nation and their devotion to the SARs they live in will grow and deepen, he said.

Yu stressed that the CPPCC will stand firm on the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and remain committed to safeguarding it and “Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy”.

The CPPCC will continue to support the SAR government to govern the city in accordance with law, he said.

Reviewing last year’s work, Yu expressed his support for the CPPCC members’ positive voices on the interpretation of Article 104 of Hong Kong’s Basic Law by the nation’s top legislature.

The interpretation stemmed from two former separatist lawmakers-elect, who insulted the nation, altered the oath and pulled a stunt during the oath-taking ceremony in October last year.

The pair was subsequently unseated by the High Court of the SAR.

More study tours for young people from Hong Kong and Macao could be organized.” Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee