Zhang urges everyone in HK to build consensus

All sectors in Hong Kong should build consensus and continue promoting the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, the central government’s top liaison official stressed on Tuesday. Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the ninth-term board of the Federation of Hong Kong Guangdong Community Organizations. Zhang also encouraged Hong Kong people to continue working hard to achieve prosperity and stability. This comes more than a week after President Xi Jinping’s visit to Hong Kong to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the city’s return to China. Zhang noted that Xi’s speeches were widely discussed among leaders in the community. Zhang said this showed that the president’s visit was a success and had made a significant impact on the SAR. The speeches showed the central government’s care and support for the people of Hong Kong. It also explained “one country, two systems” comprehensively and accu rately, Zhang said. By clarifying the meaning, objectives — and also the line people should not cross — Xi’s speeches offered sage advice to Hong Kong. This would help people appreciate the “one country, two systems” principle. They could then implement it faithfully and fully, added Zhang. He hoped Hong Kong could grasp the key message from Xi’s speeches. Zhang said the president had reiterated the original meaning of the “one country, two systems” — especially the relationship between “one country” and “two systems”. Xi also stressed the importance of upholding the country’s Constitution and Hong Kong’s Basic Law, Zhang said. He also quoted Xi in emphasizing the importance of building solidarity under the principle of “loving the country and the city”. The president said development, Hong Kong-mainland integration and youth education should get top priority, Zhang concluded. He hopes the federation can play a leading role in enhancing solidarity, promoting cross-boundary exchanges and caring for young people. During his 49-hour visit to Hong Kong from June 29 to July 1, Xi attended 20 events, meeting many ordinary people.