President Xi Jinping’s inspection trip to Hong Kong came with a compelling address at the assembly celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s establishment and inaugurating its sixth-term government. Speaking as China’s top State leader, Xi gave a speech that embodies the central government’s stance on “one country, two systems” and its expectations of the HKSAR. The messages issued at the occasion, which came at a historic moment as the city pulled through the worst insurrection and began to turn the page, are the most complete and clearest elaboration of the central government’s fundamental policies regarding the governance of the HKSAR.
The cream of Xi’s speech lies in the “four musts” regarding the practice of “one country, two systems” and the “four proposals” for the HKSAR government’s operation. The “four musts” have essentially set up the starting point for Hong Kong’s new journey in carrying on “one country, two systems”, whereas the “four proposals” have charted the course for its future socioeconomic development.
Hong Kong is now ready to make a fresh start after stamping out its worst-ever political turmoil in 2019 and putting an end to years of chaos, which were the result of the SAR straying from the intended path of “one country, two systems”. To keep the SAR on the right path, the practice of “one country, two systems” must strictly adhere to its original intention, i.e., for the benefits of both the SAR and the nation as a whole. And the “four musts” articulated by the president are exactly intended to ensure that.
The “four musts” essentially embody the principles of “one country, two systems”. They are not created out of thin air but are pragmatic and practical guidelines based on the intended purpose and design of the framework as well as the experience of the past 25 years. They also reflect the down-to-earth governance style of the nation under the leadership of the Communist Party of China.
Xi clarified that “one country, two systems” is an integrated concept, contrary to the misrepresentation by some people who see no connection among “one country”, “the mainland system”, and “the SAR’s system”. Such misinterpretation has led to a denial of the compatibility of the three fundamental elements of “one country, two systems” and thus political conflicts.
“One country, two systems” is designed to preserve the capitalist system of Hong Kong while respecting and upholding the “one country” principle as well as the socialist system on the Chinese mainland. The three are organically integrated from the outset. This concept must be embraced not only by the ruling elites but also by members of every social stratum, as President Xi pointed out in his speech that “all residents in the special administrative regions should willingly respect and uphold the country’s fundamental system”.
Meanwhile, the emphasis on “maintaining Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages” also underpins the strategic purpose of serving the long-term interests of both the country and the SAR. The city’s unique status and advantages lie in the strong backing from the motherland under “one country, two systems” as well as its internationalization that is accomplished by its open market and adherence to global standards.
The emphasis on “one country, two systems” being an integrated concept is all about safeguarding national security, whereas the emphasis on Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages is all about maintaining its global standing. As Hong Kong embarks on a new journey of socioeconomic development, these two shall be important guideposts. Hong Kong will not be alone in its new journey; it will always have the firm backing of the country. As President Xi reiterated in his speech, the central government will persistently support Hong Kong in enhancing its strengths and the well-being of Hong Kong residents. Xi also provided timely reassurance for the people of Hong Kong and the business community when he reaffirmed that “one country, two systems” is a good policy that must be adhered to in the long run.
Listening to his compelling remarks on the silver jubilee of the reunification, we can understand why President Xi was willing to risk his personal health to come to a pandemic-stricken Hong Kong, simply because he genuinely cares about Hong Kong, its residents, and its stability and prosperity.
The author is senior research officer of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.