"One Country, Two Systems" Has Proved to Be the Best Institutional Guarantee for the Long-term Prosperity and Stability of Hong Kong After Its Return to the Motherland

Part of Xi Jinping's speech delivered at the meeting celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the Inaugural Ceremony of the Fifth-Term Government of The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, on July 1, 2017. Contained in The Governance of China by Xi Jinping (Vol. 2).

The speech pointed out that 20 years after Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong is a success story recognized by all. Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has joined the remarkable journey toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Hong Kong's ties with the mainland have grown increasingly close, so have its interactions and cooperation with the mainland.

The people of Hong Kong have ever stronger confidence in China's development and national rejuvenation, and share with the people on the mainland the dignity and honor of our great motherland. Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has maintained prosperity and stability, Hong Kong has made substantial advances in various programs, increased external interactions and raised its international profile.

What has happened in Hong Kong fully demonstrates that the concept of "One Country, Two Systems" provides the best solution to the historical question of Hong Kong and the best institutional arrangement to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability after its return. "One Country, Two Systems" has proved to be a workable solution welcomed by the people.

Speeches highly praised "One Country, Two Systems" is a great initiative pursued by China, offering a new way of thinking and a new formula to the international community in addressing similar issues, and it is another contribution made by the Chinese nation to promoting global peace and development. It is pointed out that “to uphold and implement the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ meets the interests of the Hong Kong people, responds to the needs of maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, serves the fundamental interests, and meets the shared aspiration of all Chinese nation.”

The Central Committee adheres to two basic points in implementing the principle of "One Country, Two Systems". First is that the Central Government will unswervingly implement the policy of "One Country, Two Systems"; the second is that the Central Government will make sure that it is fully applied in Hong Kong without being bent or distorted. This will enable us to keep advancing in the right direction.

The speech also pointed out some new developments have occurred and new issues emerged regarding application of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong, and put forward some suggestions for better implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong in the future.

Firstly, it is imperative to have a correct understanding of the relationship between "One Country" and "Two Systems", emphasizing that "one country" is the root and essence, and concept of "One Country, Two Systems" was advanced, first and foremost, to realize and uphold national unity. We must firmly establish the consciousness of “One Country” and adhere to the principle of “One Country”. Any attempt to endanger China's sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the Central Government and the authority of the Basic Law of the HKSAR or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line, and is absolutely impermissible. We must both adhere to the “One Country” principle and respect the differences of the “Two Systems”, both uphold the power of the Central Government and ensure a high degree of autonomy in the HKSAR, both give play to the role of the mainland as a staunch supporter of Hong Kong and enhance Hong Kong's own competitiveness. At no time should we focus only on one aspect to the neglect of the other.

Secondly, it is imperative to always act in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law. Emphasizing that the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law of the HKSAR together form the constitutional basis of the HKSAR. In observing the constitutional order prescribed by the Constitution and the Basic Law, it is important both for the Central Government to exercise power in accordance with the law and for the HKSAR to fulfill its own responsibilities as the main actor; we should improve the relevant institutions and mechanisms for implementing the Basic Law; we should raise public awareness of the Constitution and the Basic Law in Hong Kong, particularly among civil servants and the young people.

Thirdly, it is imperative to always focus on development as the top priority. Emphasizing that development, an abiding pursuit, is crucial for Hong Kong's survival, and it holds the golden key to resolving various issues in Hong Kong. Hong Kong enjoys the backing of the motherland and is open to the world. It therefore has many favorable conditions for development and distinctive competitive advantages. It is important to cherish the opportunity, seize it and focus your energy on Hong Kong's development.

Fourthly, it is imperative to always maintain a harmonious and stable social environment. It was pointed that Hong Kong is a pluralistic society,and it is not surprising that there are different views and even major differences on some specific issues. However, making everything political or deliberately creating differences and provoking confrontation will not resolve the problems. On the contrary, it can only severely hinder Hong Kong's economic and social development. Instead, only by looking at the bigger picture, communicating rationally and building consensus can we gradually solve problems, only by uniting and working together can we build a better Hong Kong as our common home.