“Qiushi” magazine commentator: Continue to write a new chapter in the practice of “one country, two systems” at a new historical starting point

Continue to write a new chapter in the practice of “one country, two systems” at a new historical starting point

“Qiu” magazine critic

From June 30 to July 1, 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping came to Hong Kong to attend the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and inspected Hong Kong. During his stay in Hong Kong, the General Secretary delivered a series of important speeches, spoke highly of the successful practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong, solemnly declared the central government’s firm determination to uphold “One Country, Two Systems”, and profoundly summarized the practical laws of “One Country, Two Systems” to guide the future development of Hong Kong. The important speech of the general secretary is high-level, rich in content, inspiring and inspiring, and has raised our party’s understanding of the regularity of the practice of “one country, two systems” to a new level, pointed out the right direction for the steady and long-term development of the “one country, two systems” cause, and provided It has been fundamentally followed, which is an important milestone.

“I have always been concerned about Hong Kong, thinking of Hong Kong, my heart and the heart of the central government are always with the Hong Kong compatriots.” Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has always been concerned about the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the interests and well-being of Hong Kong compatriots. A series of important discussions and major decisions and arrangements have been made on “One Country, Two Systems” and the work of Hong Kong, and the cause of “One Country, Two Systems” has been pushed forward. At present, the practice of “one country, two systems” and the development of Hong Kong have reached a new historical starting point. We must unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, and resolutely implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech and the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee. Remain true to our original aspiration, strengthen our confidence, and unite as one, with greater success in the practice of “one country, two systems”, to add luster to the realization of the second centenary goal and the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Firm confidence in the system and unswervingly adhere to the “one country, two systems” policy. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, located in Victoria Harbour, looks like a seabird, fluttering its wings. On July 1, 1997, the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The five-star red flag rose slowly here. The majestic national anthem of the People’s Republic of China resounded throughout Hong Kong. From then on, a new era in Hong Kong’s history began, and the unprecedented great practice of “one country, two systems” set sail.

Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong and the motherland have taken a broader and broader path to develop and progress together. Hong Kong has made an irreplaceable contribution to the miracle of long-term, stable and rapid economic development of the motherland in the grand torrent of national reform and opening up. Hong Kong has actively integrated into the overall situation of national development and aligned with the national development strategy. The stage for meritorious deeds is getting wider and wider.

Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong’s vitality as a cosmopolitan city has amazed the world. Hong Kong’s GDP has grown from HK$1.37 trillion in 1997 to HK$2.86 trillion in 2021, foreign exchange reserves have increased from US$92.8 billion at the end of 1997 to US$465 billion by May 2022, and the value of the Hong Kong stock market has increased from 3.2 billion at the end of 1997. The trillion Hong Kong dollars will increase to the highest of 58.6 trillion Hong Kong dollars in 2021; Hong Kong has been rated as “the world’s freest economy” for 25 consecutive years, and has been selected as one of the most competitive regions in the world by many international institutions for many years…

For 25 years, Hong Kong residents have enjoyed unprecedented democratic rights and broad freedoms. During the British colonial rule, the British Hong Kong authorities had long excluded the Chinese from the governance structure and implemented racial discrimination policies against the Chinese. At that time, there was no democracy in Hong Kong. After returning to the motherland, Hong Kong’s real democracy began. The compatriots in Hong Kong are the masters of the country, and the democratic system of “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy has been continuously developed and improved in line with the “one country, two systems” policy and the actual situation of Hong Kong, and solid steps have been taken towards high-quality democracy and substantive democracy.

On July 1, 2022, the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Xinhua News Agency

The success of the “one country, two systems” practice in Hong Kong is universally recognized, but as an unprecedented pioneering undertaking, it will inevitably encounter some new situations and new problems. During a period of time, under the influence of various internal and external complex factors, the activities of “anti-China chaos in Hong Kong” were rampant, and the situation in Hong Kong once appeared grim. The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core reviewed the situation, made decisive decisions, formulated the Hong Kong National Security Law, established institutional norms for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, revised and improved Hong Kong’s electoral system, ensured the implementation of the “patriots ruling Hong Kong” principle, and promoted Hong Kong. The situation has achieved a major turning point from chaos to governance. In Hong Kong, which has been reborn from ashes, the romance of the combination of Chinese and Western still remains, and the charm of the city of vitality is even greater than before. Facts have proved that the process of Hong Kong’s passing through severe tests and overcoming each risk and challenge is the process of demonstrating the strong vitality and institutional resilience of “One Country, Two Systems”, and also the process of “One Country, Two Systems” constantly maturing and improving and radiating new vitality.

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “‘One country, two systems’ has been repeatedly tested in practice. It conforms to the fundamental interests of the country and the nation, as well as the fundamental interests of Hong Kong and Macau. The international community generally agrees. There is no reason to change such a good system, and it must be adhered to for a long time!” The future is promising. With firm belief in and adherence to “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability will have the most fundamental and reliable institutional guarantee.

Grasp the laws of practice and ensure that the cause of “one country, two systems” will always move steadily and far in the right direction. Review the old and know the new, learn from the past and know the future. Only by seeing clearly why the practice of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong has been successful in the past and how to achieve greater success in the future can the cause of “one country, two systems” be more stable and go further. General Secretary Xi Jinping scientifically grasps the experience and enlightenment of the practice of “one country, two systems”, and profoundly reveals the practical laws of “four musts” – “the policy of ‘one country, two systems’ must be fully and accurately implemented”, “the overall governance power of the central government must be adhered to and a high degree of autonomy of the special administrative regions must be guaranteed. The unity of power and power”, “the ‘patriots governing Hong Kong’ must be implemented”, and “Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages must be maintained.” This is an inevitable requirement for Hong Kong to achieve long-term stability, prosperity and development. It is the fundamental guideline for the steady and long-term development of the “one country, two systems” cause.

To fully and accurately implement the “one country, two systems” policy, we must first correctly understand and grasp the relationship between “one country” and “two systems”. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “‘One country’ is the root, and only if the root is deep can the leaf flourish; ‘One country’ is the foundation, and the foundation can be strong and prosperous.” . The proposal of “one country, two systems” is first of all to realize and maintain national unity. “One country” is the premise and basis for the implementation of “two systems”. “Two systems” is subordinate and derived from “one country” and unified within “one country”. . In safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, there is only the responsibility of “one country”, and there is no distinction between “two systems”. Any activities that endanger national sovereignty and security, challenge the authority of the central government and the authority of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and use Hong Kong to infiltrate and sabotage the mainland are touching the bottom line and must not be allowed. On the basis of “one country”, the relationship of “two systems” should be able to achieve harmonious coexistence and mutual promotion. The stronger the “one country” principle is, the more obvious the advantages of “two systems” will be.

Maintaining and making good use of the central government’s overall governance power is the fundamental guarantee for the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “The central government has overall governance over the special administrative region, which is the source of the special administrative region’s high degree of autonomy. At the same time, the central government fully respects and firmly maintains the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the special administrative region in accordance with the law.” The relationship between the central government and the special administrative region The essence is the relationship between the central and local governments, and between the jurisdiction and the subject. A high degree of autonomy is neither complete autonomy nor decentralization, but the management of local affairs granted by the central government. The special administrative region enjoys as much power as the central government delegates. Under any circumstances, the exercise of a high degree of autonomy by the special administrative region shall not undermine the national sovereignty and the overall governance of the central government.

Adhering to “patriots ruling Hong Kong” is a fundamental principle that concerns national sovereignty, security and development interests, and concerns Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. Political power must be in the hands of patriots. This is a basic political principle, which is justified and universal. No country or region in the world will allow unpatriotic or even traitorous or treasonous forces and figures to take power. The major turning point in Hong Kong from chaos to governance has once again demonstrated that only by adhering to “patriots ruling Hong Kong” can the central government’s overall governance over the special administrative region be effectively implemented, and the constitutional order of the special administrative region based on the Constitution and the Basic Law can be effectively maintained , all kinds of deep-seated problems can be effectively solved. It is an inevitable requirement to ensure the long-term stability of Hong Kong to firmly hold the governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the hands of patriots, and it must not be shaken at any time. “Patriots ruling Hong Kong” is by no means “one-size-fits-all”. Hong Kong residents, no matter what occupation or belief they believe in, as long as they sincerely support the “one country, two systems” policy, as long as they love Hong Kong as their homeland, and as long as they abide by the Basic Law and the laws of the Special Administrative Region, they are all positive forces for the construction of Hong Kong, and they can all contribute and contribute. a contribution.

It is in the fundamental interests of the country and Hong Kong to maintain Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages. In handling Hong Kong affairs, the central government has always considered it from a strategic and overall perspective, and has always taken the fundamental and long-term interests of the country and Hong Kong as its starting point and foothold. The fundamental interests of Hong Kong are consistent with the fundamental interests of the country, and the hearts of the central government and the hearts of Hong Kong compatriots are completely connected. Backed by the motherland and connected to the world, this is Hong Kong’s unique and significant advantage. In the process of national reform and opening up in the new era, Hong Kong can continue to play the role of an important bridge and window connecting the mainland of the motherland and the rest of the world, and continue to maintain the advantages of a high degree of freedom and openness and smooth connection with international rules. , and make new contributions to the new pattern of opening up at a deeper level. At the same time, with the deepening of China’s reform and development and the continuous enhancement of its international influence, the more deeply Hong Kong is integrated into the overall national development, the more effectively aligned with the national development strategy, the more attractive it will be to the international market.

Seizing the historical opportunity, Hong Kong will surely make new achievements from a new starting point. “This morning, I have a new mission.” In the early morning of July 1, 2022, Li Jiachao, the sixth chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, posted his first Weibo. General Secretary Xi Jinping met with Li Jiachao and said to him cordially: “The central government will fully support you and the new SAR government in governing in accordance with the law. We have full confidence in you and the new SAR government, and in the future of Hong Kong. “This is a warm and powerful encouragement, but also a mountain of support. Hong Kong is in a new stage from chaos to governance to governance and prosperity. The next five years will be a critical period for Hong Kong to break new ground and achieve a new leap forward. With the full support of the central government, Hong Kong compatriots are fully capable and wise enough to manage, build and develop Hong Kong well, and can continue to show their talents in national development and even on the world stage.

——Have a solid foundation of good governance and good governance. In the two years since the implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, the situation from chaos to governance has continued to consolidate, and the flag of loving the country and Hong Kong is flying high. Under the new electoral system, Hong Kong has successfully held elections for the Election Committee, the seventh Legislative Council, and the sixth Chief Executive. “The team is initially formed. The new SAR government will, in accordance with the guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping, dare to take responsibility, do good deeds, and continuously improve the level of governance; focus on development, and fully unleash the huge creativity and development vitality of Hong Kong society; We are responsible for the people, effectively solve the problems of people’s livelihood, and make the development achievements more and more equitable to benefit all citizens. Good governance and good governance can be expected, and the beautiful picture of Hong Kong’s self-governance and prosperity is slowly unfolding.

——There is the unity and hard work of the sons and daughters of Hong Kong. “Dream-seekers set off at the starting line and cross the line under the Lion Rock. May this Hong Kong be created together.” The theme song “Before” launched by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland sings Hong Kong citizens join hands to the future. common voice. After going through ups and downs, the majority of Hong Kong citizens feel that Hong Kong cannot be chaotic and cannot afford to be chaotic, and they feel that Hong Kong’s development cannot be delayed any longer. In today’s Hong Kong, people’s minds are fixed and their minds are advanced, and “opening a new chapter for Hong Kong together” has become a broad consensus. “Agree with one heart and one mind, and everything can be achieved.” The vast number of Hong Kong compatriots have been twisted together, and continue to carry forward the fine tradition of tolerance and mutual aid, seeking common ground while reserving differences, self-improvement, hard work and daring to win. Hong Kong on the new journey is full of hope and vitality!

——Have a great motherland as a strong backing. Blood is thicker than water, and we share our destiny. Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, whether in the face of the international financial crisis, the new crown pneumonia epidemic, or some violent social unrest, the central government has always fully supported Hong Kong in overcoming difficulties, and the people of the motherland have always walked hand in hand with Hong Kong compatriots. The destiny of Hong Kong has always been closely linked with the motherland. If the country is good, Hong Kong will be better. China’s growing prosperity is not only the strength of Hong Kong to withstand the storm and overcome challenges, but also the opportunity for Hong Kong to explore new directions for development, find new momentum for development, and open up new space for development. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has always attached great importance to giving full play to the role of Hong Kong in planning and advancing the country’s overall development strategy, encouraging and supporting Hong Kong to identify its position and develop its strengths, actively connect with national plans, and achieve longterm development. For Hong Kong, “one country, two systems” is the biggest advantage, the country’s reform and opening up is the biggest stage, and the implementation of national strategies such as the joint construction of the “Belt and Road” and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a new major opportunity. As long as the big article of “giving full play to our own strengths and meeting the needs of the country” is done well, Hong Kong’s development will have inexhaustible momentum and broad space.

Bauhinia is in full bloom, and Li Li is working hard to start a new journey. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. Promoting the successful practice of ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong is an important part of this historical process.” Hong Kong compatriots have never been absent from the great leap from becoming rich to becoming strong. Now, all Chinese sons and daughters are marching towards the second centenary goal with heroic self-confidence and ardent ambition, and Hong Kong will not be absent. With the firm support of the great motherland, the solid guarantee of the “one country, two systems” policy, and the joint efforts of the vast number of compatriots who love the country and Hong Kong, Hong Kong will certainly be able to continue writing a new chapter in the practice of “one country, two systems” at a new historical starting point and create a new legend of prosperity and development. , and share the glory of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with the people of the motherland!