Xi Sets out New Vision for HK

'One country, two systems' is so good a system that there is no reason to change it, he says at anniversary event

President Xi Jinping set out on Friday a new vision for the implementation of "one country, two systems" in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, reiterating Beijing's support for the SAR in maintaining its unique position and strengths.

In a landmark speech delivered at a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, Xi said "one country, two systems" has been tested and proved right time and again, there is no reason to change such a good system and it must be adhered to over the long run.

The president presided over the swearing in of the city's new Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other members of the sixth-term government of the SAR at the celebration.

He told an audience of about 1,300 people at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center that the practice of "one country, two systems" has attained universally acknowledged success over the past 25 years, during which time the city has got through various storms and challenges and made steady strides forward.

He reaffirmed the significance of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, and the SAR's new electoral system in implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", saying that the democratic system of the SAR now helps to safeguard the democratic rights of its residents, as well as the prosperity and stability of the region, and it has broad prospects.

The president noted that socialism with Chinese characteristics is the country's basic system and the Communist Party of China's leadership is the essential attribute of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He urged all residents of Hong Kong and Macao to conscientiously respect and uphold the nation's basic system.

"The fundamental purpose of 'one country, two systems' is to uphold national sovereignty and security and development interests and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao," Xi said.

He reiterated the need to ensure both overall jurisdiction by the central authorities and a high degree of autonomy in the SAR.

President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presides over the swearing in of Hong Kong's new Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other members of the sixth-term government of the special administrative region in Hong Kong on Friday. The day marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

On the necessity to ensure the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong", Xi said that no people in any country or region in the world would ever allow political power to fall into the hands of forces or individuals who do not love, or even sell out or betray, their own country.

He added that protecting the power to administer serves to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, as well as the interests of the SAR's more than 7 million residents.

The president also stressed the significance of maintaining Hong Kong's unique position and strengths, pledging full support for the SAR in consolidating its position as a hub for international finance, shipping and trade, and upholding its free, open and standardized business climate, maintaining its common law system and expanding unimpeded and convenient global links.

The SAR has now entered a new period, moving from its turnaround from chaos to stability to transitioning from stability to prosperity, and the next five years will be a critical period for Hong Kong in breaking new ground and making a new leap forward, Xi said.

The president also put forward expectations for the new administration, including further improving its level of governance, continuing to enhance the momentum of growth, taking concrete measures to address the public's concerns and jointly safeguarding harmony and stability.

Xi also called for unity and stability: "Having gone through ups and downs, people have learned the hard way that Hong Kong cannot be destabilized and cannot afford chaos. They also feel keenly that no time should be lost in Hong Kong's development."

He expressed particular concern for the youth, saying that Hong Kong will thrive when its young people thrive, and that there is a future for the SAR when its young people have a future.

Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, former director-general of the World Health Organization, who was at the celebration, said Xi's speech was not only a message for Hong Kong people, but a message for the international community and foreign investors that Hong Kong will continue to implement "one country, two systems" and be a global financial center no matter the circumstances.

In Chan's opinion, Xi is familiar with the issues concerning Hong Kong, including housing, education and youth mobility, as well as care for the elderly.

Xi's call for the SAR government to address residents' needs is pragmatic and would certainly make the public feel heard and understood, she said.

Joe Ngai, managing partner of McKinsey Greater China, also backed the notion of an "effective government and efficient market". This will enable Hong Kong's financial and business sector to perpetually retain its attractive position in the international realm by further enhancing its "global connectivity", he said.

Shadow Li and Wang Yuke in Hong Kong contributed to this story.