SAR begins a new chapter, with Beijing’s guidance and support
Friday’s annual event celebrating Hong Kong’s return to China has assumed special significance for two reasons. First, it marks the 25th anniversary of an epoch-making episode in the city’s history, when it marched into a novel mode of governance under the worldrecognized “one country, two systems” principle. Second, it coincides with the commencement of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The whole city rejoiced and was brightly adorned with colorful national and SAR flags, while multitudes of community and school celebration activities took place. The whole event culminated in the inspection trip of President Xi Jinping, who had left the mainland for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck and at a time when Hong Kong’s daily COVID-19 infections are soaring.
President Xi’s trip served to reinforce his earlier statement, published in People’s Daily, that “Hong Kong’s development is always close to my heart.” Starting his speech at the inauguration of the SAR’s sixth-term administration with heart-warming “sincerest regards to all the people of Hong Kong”, the State leader further demonstrated his deep affection by affirming that whatever the central government does for the two SARs, “it is for the good of the nation, Hong Kong and Macao, as well as their compatriots.”
In the 1980s, the authorities in Beijing went through an extended period of tough negotiations with the British government, which attempted to cling steadfastly to the unequal treaties pressed upon the Qing Dynasty in the 19th century following the Opium Wars, before reaching the Sino-British Joint Declaration spelling out the city’s handback to China. President Xi recounted in his arrival address that the SAR had encountered some difficult challenges, but had managed to overcome those challenges one after another. And with Beijing’s staunch support, the city has risen again from the ashes after weathering the storms over the past quarter-century and is now seeing more resilience in bouncing back onto its development path. This is concrete proof of the strong vitality of “one country, two systems”, which has kept the city vibrant and sustainable over the past 25 years and continues to ensure its long-term stability and prosperity. If held onto firmly and persistently, this institutional arrangement, described by the State leader as a “good system”, promises a bright future for Hong Kong residents.
Speaking at Friday’s inaugural ceremony, President Xi further lauded the “one country, two systems” principle by expounding Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages under it. He complimented profoundly the city’s attainments under this framework over the past 25 years, which has enabled the city to play the role of a super-connector between the mainland and the rest of the world, contributing to the mainland’s miraculously rapid economic development, thereby making irreplaceable contributions to the nation’s modernization. He made a distinct and solid declaration that having proved itself to be strong and vital, “one country, two systems” should be kept intact. This open statement by the State leader will surely go a long way toward clearing doubts in the minds of residents and foreigners on their decisions to lock their careers and investments into the city.
The State leader made a solemn note that the basic principle of “one country, two systems” is to protect national sovereignty and national security, as well as maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong. He also urged Hong Kong people to respect the Communist Party of China’s leadership as the foundation of its socialist system in the country. This statement might have a bearing on the observed sense of alienation from the motherland of a portion of the Hong Kong population as a result of an obvious lack of proper understanding of the mainland, as well as the principle and actual functioning of “one country, two systems”, arising primarily from inadequate national education in the city. In the belief that “young people have a future, Hong Kong has a future”, President Xi urged the new governing team to guide the youngsters, raise their awareness of national identity and pride, and help them solve problems in education, employment, career and housing needs.
President Xi stressed that after the “storms and downpours” in the past 25 years, Hong Kong residents have eventually come to realize that “the city cannot afford to run into turmoil”, and there is an enhanced understanding that its development should not suffer further delays. For this vital purpose, he advised that there is an imminent need to enlist all “positive forces” in the city, who truly support the “one country, two systems” framework, take the city as their homeland and abide by the Basic Law and the city’s laws. He also explained why positions in the SAR’s governance need to be filled by patriots, citing the lack of precedents round the world where disloyal politicians or even traitors have been entrusted to govern.
President Xi said he trusts that the SAR, with the guidance and support of the central government and the accurate, full implementation of “one country, two systems”, will contribute more significantly to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. President Xi also spelt out four expectations for the new administration headed by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, who will lead the city for a five-year term that is considered to be crucial for breaking fresh ground in major endeavors. These four expectations are: enhanced governance efficiency and sense of national identity; further integrating Hong Kong’s development with national development strategies and forging stronger ties with the global community with support from Beijing; pursuing proactive and effective resolution of social and livelihood problems; and ensuring social harmony and stability.