The tide of Hong Kong surges in Singapore Airlines, the return of people’s hearts is more successful

Bauhinia blossoms, bright pearls. On May 8, the election of the sixth chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was successfully completed. This election further implements the principle of “patriots ruling Hong Kong”, demonstrates the progressive superiority of the new electoral system, and is another successful practice of developing democracy with Hong Kong characteristics.

“One country, two systems”, from a scientific conception to a vivid practice, to a stable and long-term development, has shown more and more vitality. In the past 25 years since its return, Hong Kong has continuously achieved better development in its integration into the overall development of the country, and has continued to move forward from the return of sovereignty to the return of people’s hearts. The compatriots of Hong Kong and the people of the motherland are writing a new chapter of sharing the historical responsibility of national rejuvenation and sharing the prosperity and glory of the motherland. .

Return of Sovereignty: Opening a New Era of Hong Kong Compatriots as Masters

At zero o’clock on July 1, 1997, the audience at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center was solemn, the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China was played, and the bright five-star red flag and the Bauhinia flag were raised together. The Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China was established. Hong Kong returned to the embrace of the motherland, washing away the shame of the Chinese nation for a century, and Hong Kong compatriots have since become the real masters of the motherland.

The destiny of Hong Kong has always been closely linked with the motherland. After modern times, due to the corruption of feudal rule and the weakening of national strength, the Chinese nation fell into deep suffering. In the early 1840s, the British Expeditionary Force invaded, and the Qing government ceded the land and ceded Hong Kong Island. After the Opium War, China was repeatedly defeated by countries whose territory and population were far inferior to its own. Kowloon and the “New Territories” were also forced to leave the embrace of the motherland at that time.

Under the historical conditions and the background of the reform and opening up, Comrade Deng Xiaoping put forward the great concept of “one country, two systems”, and based on this, he successfully resolved the Hong Kong issue left over from history through diplomatic negotiations with the United Kingdom. The return of Hong Kong to the motherland is an important step in realizing the reunification of the motherland, and it is a long-term achievement that shines in the history of the Chinese nation.

Hong Kong has been included in the national governance system since the handover. The Central Government exercises governance over Hong Kong in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the corresponding special administrative region system and system have been established. Under “One Country, Two Systems”, Hong Kong’s original capitalist system and way of life remain unchanged, and the laws remain basically unchanged. Hong Kong compatriots are the masters of the country and manage affairs within the autonomy of the Special Administrative Region on their own. Hong Kong residents enjoy broader democratic rights and freedoms than at any time in history. Hong Kong compatriots have actively participated in the country’s reform, opening up and modernization drive, and their confidence in national development and national rejuvenation has been continuously enhanced. Hong Kong’s own characteristics and advantages have been maintained, the combination of Chinese and Western style is still romantic, and the charm of a vibrant city is more than ever.

Practice has fully proved that “one country, two systems” is the best solution to the Hong Kong issue left over from history, and it is also the best institutional arrangement for Hong Kong to maintain long-term prosperity and stability after its return. of. Without the adherence of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government to the original mission of “One Country, Two Systems”, there would be no true masters of the Hong Kong compatriots.

The return of governance: opening a new chapter of good governance in Hong Kong

The central government’s overall governance over the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a manifestation of national sovereignty. 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.

Hong Kong returned to the motherland, the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, and the governance of Hong Kong returned to the hands of the Chinese people. Only when the governance of Hong Kong is in the hands of Chinese people who love the motherland and Hong Kong can China resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong.

As an unprecedented pioneering cause, the practice of “one country, two systems” may not be smooth sailing. The struggle between anti-China forces that disrupt Hong Kong and forces that love the country and Hong Kong for the governance of Hong Kong was once fierce.

“If you are good at government, you will make up for your shortcomings, and you will stop them if you are determined.” To clear up the source and put things right, we must systematically prevent and resolve risks. To fully and accurately implement the “one country, two systems” policy, we must improve the “one country, two systems” system and Hong Kong’s electoral system, and cut off the path for anti-China and chaotic forces to seize Hong Kong’s governance. This is a fundamental solution to ensure the stable and long-term practice of “one country, two systems” and the long-term stability of Hong Kong.

On March 30, 2021, the 27th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress unanimously passed the newly revised “Annex I of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on the Selection of the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” and the “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China”. Annex II to the Basic Law of the Special Administrative Region: Methods for the Formation and Voting Procedures of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”. The improved Hong Kong SAR electoral system will restructure and increase the empowerment of the Election Committee, adjust and optimize the size, composition and method of selection of the Election Committee, continue to nominate and elect the Chief Executive by the Election Committee, and empower the Election Committee to elect more senior executives. A large proportion of Legislative Council members and direct participation in the new function of nominating candidates for all Legislative Council members. At the same time, a Candidate Qualification Review Committee will be set up to review and confirm the qualifications of candidates for the Election Committee, Chief Executive and Legislative Council members, ensure “patriots ruling Hong Kong”, and resolutely exclude anti-China forces that disrupt Hong Kong from the political organs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. outside.

On September 19, 2021, the general elections of the Hong Kong SAR Election Committee subsectors were successfully concluded, and the new Election Committee members were successfully elected. The election of the Election Committee realized that “patriots govern Hong Kong, and those who oppose China and disrupt Hong Kong are out”, which not only made solid progress in democratic politics, but also made good governance possible. Hong Kong has gradually returned to normal society. Under the protection of the new electoral system, the “fast-forward button” of development has been pressed.

On December 19, 2021, the election of the seventh Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was held. 153 candidates competed fully, and all sectors of society participated enthusiastically. The majority of voters actively exercised their civil rights. The new 90 Legislative Council members were successfully elected. Legislative Council elections further implement the principle of “patriots ruling Hong Kong”, which fully reflects the election’s broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition, forming an example of high-quality democracy and substantive democracy.

The election of the sixth chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region held on May 8, 2022, presented a good atmosphere of rationality, unity and progress, and fully demonstrated the progressive superiority of the new electoral system in selecting talents and appointing talents and bringing together forces that love the country and Hong Kong. It proves once again that the new electoral system is a good system that conforms to the principle of “one country, two systems” and to the reality of Hong Kong.

Facts profoundly show that as long as the self-confidence of the “one country, two systems” system is continuously strengthened and the governance advantages of “one country, two systems” are better utilized, the central government’s overall governance over the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region can be more effectively implemented, and Hong Kong can achieve real good governance and good governance.

The return of hearts and minds: opening up a new future for Hong Kong’s prosperity and development

The human heart is the greatest politics. The return of people’s hearts, like the foundation of the levee, is the most important goal of realizing Hong Kong’s self-governance and prosperity.

A strong motherland is the greatest centripetal force for the return of people’s hearts. Only when the country is strong and the nation is strong can Hong Kong be strong.

At the beginning of this year, the fifth wave of the epidemic in Hong Kong suddenly broke out, and the number of infected people soared. The SAR government requested support from the central government. Responding to any request, the Central Medical Assistance Team for Hong Kong went retrograde, the central enterprises raced against time to promote the construction of makeshift hospitals and emergency hospitals, and various medical and living resources were continuously supplied to Hong Kong… The central government’s aid to Hong Kong to fight the epidemic is the fastest, the strongest, and the largest. The coverage has been fully expanded, fully demonstrating the institutional advantages of concentrating on major, difficult and urgent matters. More than two months later, the number of daily positive cases in Hong Kong dropped from tens of thousands at the peak to a few hundred, and continued to decline.

The epidemic has subsided, and people’s hearts have returned. “Central aid to Hong Kong and fight against the epidemic with one heart” has formed a strong synergy, which not only demonstrates the sense of responsibility of “one country”, but also condenses the determination and confidence in stabilizing the epidemic in Hong Kong. With great care and sense of security, Hong Kong citizens threatened by the epidemic have taught Hong Kong society a vivid lesson in patriotism and forged the greatest centripetal force. The majority of Hong Kong compatriots deeply feel that the great motherland has always been a strong backing, and it is Hong Kong’s greatest confidence in resisting storms and overcoming challenges, and has effectively strengthened their identification with the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the Communist Party of China, and socialism with Chinese characteristics.

A better Hong Kong is the biggest attraction for the return of hearts and minds. Development is the golden key to solving many problems in Hong Kong. The central government attaches great importance to Hong Kong’s economic development and the improvement of people’s livelihood, and fully supports Hong Kong in coping with various difficulties and challenges. After returning to the embrace of the motherland, Hong Kong continues to consolidate its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, with increasingly active external exchanges and further expansion of international influence. The project has made great progress, showing a thriving scene.

On February 18, 2019, the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Planning Outline” was officially announced, and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area set sail. This is a major plan made by the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core based on the overall situation and the long-term, a major initiative to enrich the practice of “one country, two systems”, and a major decision to further promote the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau. Over the past three years, the construction of the Greater Bay Area has achieved remarkable results in stages, and is moving forward with the goal of a world-class bay area and a world-class city cluster. Shenzhen Qianhai has infinite scenery. It used to be wild and tidal flat and had nothing, but now it is full of traffic and prosperity. Qianhai has become a hot spot for Hong Kong-funded and Hong Kong enterprises to develop northwards, and the epidemic has not stopped the pace of Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation. Data show that in 2021, the number of Hong Kong-funded enterprises in Qianhai will increase by 156% year-on-year, and more than 100 Hong Kong enterprises have been introduced in the first quarter of 2022.

Improving people’s livelihood and well-being is the starting point and end point of the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and it is also the key to promoting the return of people’s hearts. The beautiful blueprint of livability, business and travel is laid out in the Greater Bay Area. More and more Hong Kong citizens, especially young people, are starting businesses and working in the Greater Bay Area, striving for their dreams, and sharing the development opportunities of the Greater Bay Area. Through extensive exchanges, comprehensive exchanges, and in-depth integration, Hong Kong youth have a more comprehensive understanding of the country, a deeper and deeper affection for the motherland, and the “heart connection” has been continuously strengthened.

A promising SAR government is the greatest cohesive force for the return of people’s hearts. At present, the situation in Hong Kong from chaos to rule is constantly consolidating, and the situation is developing for the better. With the full support of the central government, the SAR government has taken the main responsibility for epidemic prevention and control, Hong Kong’s economy has gradually recovered, and society has remained stable. The election of the sixth chief executive was successfully held, and the situation of “patriots ruling Hong Kong” became more stable. Only by loving the country and Hong Kong, having both political integrity and talent, grasping the general direction of the practice of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong, and sticking to the sentiment of serving the people, can we solve the deep-seated contradictions and problems in Hong Kong, and consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the increasingly fierce international competition. To achieve better development of Hong Kong from a new historical starting point, and make Hong Kong more and more safer, more beautiful and more attractive.

Practice has proved that stronger identification with the central government and stronger confidence in the Hong Kong SAR government is conducive to promoting the return of Hong Kong people’s hearts; and the return of Hong Kong people’s hearts has become an important force for stabilizing Hong Kong. Under the leadership of the promising SAR government, adhere to gradual progress, continuous efforts, and long-term efforts, seek the greatest common divisor, and draw the largest concentric circles. Good, the country is good, Hong Kong is better” will surely be more melodious and moving.

“When the wind is good is the time to set sail, and we will fight the waves to the future.” We firmly believe that with the strong backing of the great motherland, the strong support of the central government and the people of the mainland, and the rich experience and solid development foundation accumulated over the past 25 years, With the united efforts of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and all sectors of society, the practice of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong will surely write a new chapter, and Hong Kong will surely be able to create new glories!

(Editor: Yan Yuqing and Zhang Shaoyi)