July 1 not only marks the 24th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, but also the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Due to inadequate discussions in the past, not many Hong Kong people know that these two events fall on the same date, let alone understand the relationship between the two. Some believe that the relationship between "one country, two systems" and the CPC is self-evident. Indeed, the relationship between the two is strong and has stood the test of time.
The CPC introduced "one country, two systems" to serve the interest of the people, which is the original intention of both this innovative political system arrangement and the founding of the CPC.
The special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao were established under the "one country, two systems" framework in accordance with China's Constitution. Taking the historical perspective, the principle was proposed by the late State leader Deng Xiaoping during the Cold War period as a solution to Hong Kong's political future. Deng was able to come up with a pragmatic constitutional model by considering the overall interests of China as a whole and the specific needs of the people of Hong Kong. Without the creative thinking of the CPC leaders and their commitment to serving the people's interests, "one country, two systems" would not have come into existence.
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The implementation and development of "one country, two systems" have always been a basic State policy championed by the CPC, whose leaders strongly believe that this arrangement serves the best interest of Hong Kong people and the whole nation. That is why General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the importance of fully and accurately implementing "one country, two systems".
In recent years, critics suggested that the CPC had undermined "one country, two systems". That conclusion is based on ignorance about the CPC and modern Chinese history at best. The CPC was founded 100 years ago, when China was in the midst of what was later termed a "century of humiliation". In the face of internal struggle and external aggression, the CPC brought hope to the Chinese people in resisting foreign aggression and undertaking national reform to achieve self-reliance. Nowadays, China under the leadership of the CPC is not only at the forefront of economic and technological development but, more importantly, is taking its own path and is no longer subject to foreign oppression. In such historical context, the decision to implement "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong as a special administrative region of China has proved instrumental in ending the century-long humiliation while maintaining Hong Kong's uniqueness that benefits not only Hong Kong residents but the whole nation. Therefore, even if the entire world is not in support of "one country, two systems", the CPC will never abandon this principle.
The relationship between "one country, two systems" and the CPC is not a mere slogan, but the outcome of the Party staying true to its original intention and conviction
The fate of "one country, two systems" is closely tied to the CPC, and the two will continue to be on the same development path. Thus, whenever we discuss the development of "one country, two systems", we cannot ignore the role of the CPC.
Under the leadership and guidance of the CPC, Hong Kong's exercise of "one country, two systems" will overcome any political challenge, such as those it encountered in recent years, and continue to stay on track. One does not have to look further for evidence than the enactment of the National Security Law for Hong Kong last year and the improvement of Hong Kong's electoral system through local legislation this year.
Hong Kong people must not overlook the CPC's original intention of serving the people when they are engaged in political discourse surrounding the city's future, lest it become meaningless. Indeed, we are better off adopting that goal in our own efforts to advance the region's development. The key to the CPC's success has always been pursuing and serving the overall interests of the people, which is why policies like land reform back in the day successfully strengthened popular support for the CPC in rural China. Although Hong Kong's social system is different from the mainland's, when it comes to resolving deep-seated land and housing problems, Hong Kong should also implement reforms that can truly respond to the needs of the general public.
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The relationship between "one country, two systems" and the CPC is not a mere slogan, but the outcome of the Party staying true to its original intention and conviction. Looking into the future, the governing team of the Hong Kong SAR should learn from the CPC's determination and capabilities to serve the people by resolving the deep-rooted structural problems. It is the best way to win the hearts of the people, which will in turn ensure the stability and long-term sustainability of "one country, two systems".
The author is senior research officer of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.