SAR urged to firmly adhere to Basic Law
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been urged to faithfully adhere to its Basic Law, as the legal document guarantees the practice of “one country, two systems” — a principle Hong Kong relies on to thrive after returning to the motherland in 1997.
Hong Kong people are also called on to remain confident in the “one country, two systems” principle despite the challenges they encounter in practicing it.
An article by a People’s Daily commentator published on Friday, a day before the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the HKSAR Basic Law, described the Basic Law’s promulgation as a milestone in turning “one country two systems” from concept to reality.
It said in the past three decades, the Basic Law has demonstrated great vitality, and has proved to be a law offering essential guarantees for the implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong. It also serves as a cornerstone of the city’s continued prosperity and stability.
Hong Kong, a metropolis of 7.5 million people densely packed in about 1,100 square kilometers, has seen a phenomenal economic rise, with one of the highest concentrations of foreign investments in the world.
According to the United Nations World Investment Report 2019, Hong Kong was the third-largest economy worldwide in terms of foreign direct investment, behind the United States and the Chinese mainland.
A survey by the Bank for International Settlements ranked Hong Kong as the second-largest foreign exchange market in Asia, and the fourth globally in 2019.
Reviewing and summarizing the experiences in implementing the Basic Law is of great significance in ensuring further implementation of “one country, two systems”, the commentary said.
The author wrote that the SAR’s Basic Law has its roots in the nation’s Constitution. The Constitution and the Basic Law together form Hong Kong’s constitutional basis. Thus, all of the SAR’s administrative, legislative and judicial matters must comply with the two laws. And all of society should respect, observe and safeguard the laws.
The commentary admitted it’s inevitable to have problems and challenges in implementing “one country, two systems”, which is an unprecedented political practice. The challenges demonstrate the necessity and urgency of improving the principle and relevant mechanisms.
In addition, the HKSAR should faithfully fulfill its constitutional obligation of safeguarding national security through legislation. It should firmly prevent foreign intervention and attempts that undermine the nation’s unity. By doing so, the city can safeguard its long-term stability and shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, security and development interests, the commentator said.
The Basic Law has demonstrated great vitality, and has proved to be a law offering essential guarantees for the implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong.