Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, delivered a keynote speech at a symposium late last month focused on “patriots administrating Hong Kong”, which is the heart and soul of the “one country, two systems” principle, put forward by late paramount Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s. Xia’s speech provided us with a complete breakdown of “patriots administering Hong Kong” that members of Hong Kong society regardless of their sociopolitical standing and political affiliation should thoroughly understand to the best of their abilities without ideological prejudice.
Xia’s theorization of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, without question, reflects a consensus by the central authorities and can be appreciated in two parts. The first part is meant for the opposition camp’s ear and emphasizes that Hong Kong must be administered by true patriots. This prerequisite can be traced back to Deng’s explanation of the design of “one country, two systems”. Some people have misinterpreted Xia’s explanation as having shrunk the room for public participation in Hong Kong governance by narrowing down the definition of “patriots” as in “patriots administering Hong Kong”. In fact, Xia has not narrowed down the definition of “patriots”, but rather made it easier to understand correctly and completely. This understanding will help those who aspire to be a part of Hong Kong governance find their position and bearing. Xia also noted in particular that the term “patriot” here does not mean “one color throughout”, once again indicating there is enough room for diversity under “patriots administering Hong Kong”.
Living up to such expectations is imperative to the pro-establishment side more than ever because a new era characterized by true “patriots administering Hong Kong” has dawned upon Hong Kong
It is also worth mentioning that Xia has given us a detailed breakdown of what is the opposite of a patriot, such as those who “hysterically attack the central authorities in all manners imaginable; openly advocate Hong Kong independence; ‘cursing’ the country including Hong Kong on the international stage; begging hostile foreign governments for sanctions and pressure on Hong Kong; challenge the fundamental system of the country; and refuse to accept or purposely misrepresent Hong Kong’s constitutional order”. He listed “mutual destruction advocates” as the perfect example of the opposite of patriots.
Political parties and organizations currently seen as constituting the pro-establishment camp are typically considered the mainstay of patriots in Hong Kong. That is why they should understand and appreciate the second half of Xia’s speech better than the rest, especially when he said “people who hold important posts, powers and administrative responsibilities” are inevitably given “higher expectations”. Living up to such expectations is imperative to the pro-establishment side more than ever because a new era characterized by true “patriots administering Hong Kong” has dawned upon Hong Kong.
The role of the pro-establishment side so far has been protecting the HKSAR’s existing governance system, as opposed to what the opposition camp has been doing. From now on, however, there is a need for a strong and committed army of true patriots to ensure “patriots administrating Hong Kong” is implemented effectively and consistently. To this end, Xia laid out four specific requirements: 1) follow the “one country, two systems” principle completely and exactly; 2) adhere to the established principles and always be accountable; 3) keep in mind President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on “nationwide vision” for local governments; and 4) maintain unity of Hong Kong society with full dedication.
The pro-establishment camp must strive to satisfy these requirements and bring the quality of governance of Hong Kong to a higher level. To meet the first requirement, one must obtain a systematic and thorough understanding of the “one country, two systems” principle through deep learning and base one’s understanding, analysis and solutions to various difficulties and issues facing Hong Kong society on their grasp of the essence of the “one country, two systems” principle. In this respect, the pro-establishment side needs to change its traditional role of protecting the existing governance system as a guard into a proactive contributor of effective solutions to the deep-rooted problems hurting the livelihood of Hong Kong society. It should not hesitate in pushing for various system reforms when necessary — even if those reforms may hurt the vested interests of some members of the pro-establishment camp — so as to assure local residents that “patriots administering Hong Kong” is not only for real but here to stay as well. That’s the best way to strengthen public confidence in Hong Kong’s governance system under the “one country, two systems” principle.
Once the system of “patriots administering Hong Kong” is complete there will be no more bad seeds left to mess up the HKSAR from within the governance establishment, while true patriots will fully demonstrate their governance prowess in front of the great masses. The pro-establishment side should think hard about how they would meet the requirements for some of the key roles in the governance establishment and how to attract more aspiring youths in the days to come, including what training and trial are best to prepare them for roles in “patriots administering Hong Kong”. Without thinking all these through, the pro-establishment camp will have a hard time proving it is qualified for active roles in realizing “patriots administering Hong Kong”. It is time for the pro-establishment camp to find its true position and bearing, as well as acquire the necessary fortitude and strength to live up to the expectations of the nation for it to ensure “patriots administering Hong Kong” for real.
The author is senior research officer of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.