Advancing ‘one country, two systems’ in new era
State leader reaffirms central government’s overall jurisdiction over HKSAR, vows support for CE to govern under relevant laws
Hong Kong and Macao affairs are of special importance to the central authorities when it comes to running the country. That is why General Secretary Xi Jinping devoted more time and effort to spelling out the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China’s guiding principles and strategic policies for handling Hong Kong and Macao affairs in his report at the 19th National Congress of the CPC than he did before, in addition to establishing the continuous exercise of “one country, two systems” and promoting national reunification as among the 14 main fundamental policies for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era. “One country, two systems” has been assigned new missions and thus has gained further historical significance.
I would like to share with you my understanding of how “one country, two systems” should be implemented in line with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guidelines set by the 19th National Congress of the CPC. I have summarized the part concerning Hong Kong and Macao affairs into five key areas:
Firstly, fully and accurately observe the “one country, two systems” principle to ensure the exercise of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong will never go astray. We must combine adhering to the “one country” principle with respecting the difference between “two systems” as a cohesive whole; and link the central government’s overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong with the SAR’s high degree of autonomy. The central government’s overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR is determined by the latter’s constitutional status. No matter how special it is, Hong Kong is still an administrative region directly under the central government. Its high degree of autonomy comes from the central government’s overall jurisdiction over the SAR. The relationship between the central government and SAR is one between the authorizer and the authorized. To fully and accurately implement “one country, two systems” we must firmly safeguard the bottom line, which means absolutely no act detrimental to the country’s sovereignty and national security, challenging the central government’s overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR and the authority of the HKSAR Government, or using Hong Kong as a staging area to infiltrate and sabotage the Chinese mainland, will be allowed. We must maintain zero tolerance toward “Hong Kong independence” advocacy and all other attempts to cross the bottom line and fight them without reservation according to relevant law. “Hong Kong independence” was unheard of previously. It is advocated by locals with complex influences from various hostile forces. The central government absolutely does not allow such pursuits to exist anywhere in the country, including Hong Kong.
Secondly, faithfully abide by the national Constitution and Basic Law of the HKSAR. The Constitution and Basic Law together form the constitutional foundation of the HKSAR. The lawful administration of the HKSAR begins with governing Hong Kong according to the Constitution and Basic Law. The executive, legislative and judicial branches of both the central government and the SAR government must strengthen their awareness of the Constitution and Basic Law; resolutely defend the dignity and authority of the Constitution and the Basic Law; improve the systems and mechanisms designed to facilitate the exercise of the Basic Law. As part of this year’s NPC selection process, all candidates were required to sign a written declaration to uphold the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, precisely because of the need to abide by the Constitution and the Basic Law. Everybody is expected to abide by existing laws with no exception.
Thirdly, support the SAR governments and chief executives to govern according to relevant laws. Successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle and Basic Law depends on the SAR government and CE playing their leadership role to the best of their abilities. Led by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the current SAR government got off to a good start, pragmatically and proactively. That said, the SAR government should be mindful of the pressure from the changes of internal and external conditions as well as growing expectations of Hong Kong residents for a better life, all of which require not only the CE and the SAR government to do their jobs well but also Hong Kong society to support and cooperate with the CE and SAR government wholeheartedly. The central government authorities, as always, will spare no effort in supporting the HKSAR government in performing its duties.
Fourthly, support the HKSAR in integrating its own development into the country’s overall development strategy. Hong Kong’s development has always been closely linked to the motherland’s and the country’s reform and opening-up has not just benefited from Hong Kong but also propelled the latter’s economic growth. In the new era, Hong Kong, in order to achieve greater development, has no choice but to integrate its own development into the country’s overall development strategy.
Fifthly, enhance Hong Kong residents’ national awareness and patriotic sentiment.
I hope all of you could strengthen your sense of duty, and take a good grasp of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as well as the country’s major policies and principles with a view to seriously enhancing your level of political participation and deliberation. I hope all of you could reinforce your awareness of the big picture and look at issues from the political height of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and plan for the future with the country’s overall development and Hong Kong’s stability and prosperity in mind. I hope all of you could sharpen your political awareness and sensitivity and discerning ability so that you could stand with the central government on key issues and fight firmly against any words or deeds that are against the “one country, two systems” principle.