Blood is thicker than water—How is China pursuing the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and promoting national reunification?

LASTING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY IN HONG KONG AND MACAO 

Great changes are taking place in the new era. On February 18, 2019, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council issued guidelines on development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which will undoubtedly bring more opportunities for greater prosperity and development in Hong Kong and Macao. 

In the 2019 Report on the Work of the Government, the Premier Li Keqiang says, "We firmly believe that Hong Kong and Macao will advance along with the mainland and will maintain long-term prosperity and stability". This shows the Central Government's confidence in the future development of Hong Kong and Macao. This confidence is based on strong development in the country as a whole, the CPC's political leadership, and the country's effective institutions as well as the strength of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and the wisdom and abilities of the people in Hong Kong and Macao with regard to their own governance. 

Since their return, Hong Kong and Macao have been working together with the mainland in times of difficulty and in joint efforts in pursuit of development. Together, we fought off major risks and challenges such as the Asian financial crisis and the SARS epidemic. Favorable policies have been introduced to increase growth. These include a travel pass allowing more mainland residents to visit Hong Kong and Macao; the establishment of an offshore RMB market in Hong Kong; and the opening of the "Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect", "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect" and the "Bond Connect". There are also supportive policies to help build a more diversified economy in Macao. In addition, a number of major projects have been completed to boost the economy in the region, such as the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Western Corridor, the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail, and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. Looking to the future, we are confident about the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. This is in the interest of the well-being of the eight million people in Hong Kong and Macao, and is the sincere expectation of the people of the mainland.

Tourists at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong

Tourists at the Ruínas da Antiga Catedral de São Paulo in Macao

We must adhere to the fundamental principle of "One Country, Two Systems", which sets the course for steady and long-term development in Hong Kong and Macao. This principle must be upheld regardless of the challenges and difficulties we might face. Under the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement, one China is the bedrock principle. As China adopts a unitary system of government, the Central Government has full jurisdiction over all local administrative regions, including Hong Kong and Macao. While Hong Kong and Macao enjoy a high degree of autonomy as Special Administrative Regions, it is not an inherent right. It is exercised by the authorization of the Central Government and it is not complete autonomy, which means that the Central Government has the power to supervise it. Under no circumstances would this autonomy be allowed to serve as an excuse to counter the power of the Central Government. On the basis of this understanding, the "One Country, Two Systems" is faithfully implemented with a high degree of autonomy granted to Hong Kong and Macao so as to ensure that they are governed by their own people, strictly in line with the Constitution of the PRC and the Basic Laws of Hong Kong and Macao. In short, for long-term prosperity and growth in Hong Kong and Macao we must keep to the fundamental principle of one country while ensuring the effective functioning of the two systems. 

An additional impetus will contribute to economic growth in Hong Kong and Macao as they find their place in the grand "game" of national development. With their unique positions as China's gateways to the outside world, Hong Kong and Macao will play an important role in the development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and will be an essential part of construction under the Belt and Road Initiative. Through this process, they will have broadened cooperation with the mainland and will count among the dynamic world-class cities in the region which are well-positioned in terms of international competitiveness. In the meantime, efforts will be made to create opportunities for people from Hong Kong and Macao to come and work in the mainland and advance their professional careers and pursuits in life. 

Soon after the performance of "My Chinese Heart" and "I am Chinese" by Hong Kong singers, the two songs immediately went viral in Hong Kong and in the mainland. They resonated powerfully with the people in Hong Kong, who are now part of the great Chinese nation. In order to realize the Chinese dream, we will need the people from Hong Kong and Macao among our ranks, those who love the country, love Hong Kong, and love Macao. The younger generation, in particular, will work together with people in the mainland in this drive toward national renewal and a prosperous and strong China, carrying with it a stronger sense of national identity and patriotism. 

NATIONAL REUNIFICATION ACROSS THE TAIWAN STRAIT — AN INEVITABLE TREND 

In 1972, Yu Kuangchung, a celebrated poet in Taiwan, published his poem "Nostalgia", in which he wrote about his agony and frustration in being separated from his family on the mainland for more than 20 years. "And now, nostalgia is a coastline, a shallow strait. I on this side, the mainland on the other". His words touched the hearts of millions of nostalgic Chinese longing to return home. In 2011, when he was visiting his hometown of Quanzhou in Fujian Province, he added another line to his poem: "In the future, nostalgia will be a long bridge; you can come here and I can go there." With these simple words, he described the changes that had taken place across the Taiwan Strait with increased exchanges and communication between the two sides, and thus expressed his confidence and expectation for reunification. 

While Taiwan and the mainland have been separated for 70 years, efforts to reduce tension and increase communication and cooperation have never ceased. Cross-Strait relations have witnessed one breakthrough after another over the years, from the open letters to Taiwan compatriots to the development of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and the basic strategy for national reunification; from the 1992 Consensus to the first-ever historic meeting between leaders from the two sides; from total separation to direct two-way links in postal mail, transportation, and trade; and from the early years, when Taiwan was expelled from the UN, to efforts to defeat attempts at Taiwan independence. 

As we now look upon cross-Strait relations from a new starting point, we can see an overwhelming and unstoppable historical trend for national reunification. In his speech at a conference commemorating the publication of the "Letter to Taiwan Compatriots" issued by the Standing Committee of the NPC 40 years ago, General Secretary Xi Jinping elaborated on China's policies and positions in the new era for peaceful reunification, demonstrating political wisdom and historical responsibility for a solution to the question of Taiwan. Listening to his convincing words, we realize even more that national renewal and reunification represent a historical trend, a cause to fight for, and a goal that we all want to achieve. 

Peaceful reunification depends on national rejuvenation. The fact that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait remain separated is a wound left over from history. It is said that "the Taiwan question was created at a time when China was a weak and chaotic country, but it will end with the rejuvenation of the nation." As the Chinese nation moves forward with its renewal, we will see a much stronger force for national reunification under more favorable economic, political, and cultural conditions. People in Taiwan will, of course, be a part of this great journey, joining hands with the people on the mainland in the drive to achieve their dream for national renewal.

Yu Kuang-chung (1928-2017) 

Integrated development is a sure path to peaceful reunification. In times of great changes, the mainland and Taiwan must work together through thick and thin as we move forward with a shared future and intertwined interests. To realize national reunification, it is essential for people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to have the same goals, which are in turn enabled by more communication and connectivity. As requested by General Secretary Xi Jinping, connections with Taiwan should be improved to the greatest extent possible. In particular, as soon as possible, we need to ensure water, electricity, and gas supplies to Kinmen and Matsu from the coastal areas of Fujian, and build bridges wherever possible so that people in Taiwan may benefit from development in the mainland. We must also make sure that Taiwanese residents and businesses in the mainland enjoy equal treatment and access to equal, inclusive, and convenient public services.

Countercurrents against peaceful reunification must be curbed. General Secretary Xi Jinping stated categorically that nothing can change the fact that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese with the same national identity, and nothing can stop the trend toward reunification of the Chinese nation. Taiwan independence goes against this unstoppable trend and will eventually be crushed by the wheels of history. Chinese must not fight against Chinese, and for this purpose we have made the greatest efforts for peaceful reunification with the utmost sincerity. However, we do not renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all necessary measures to prepare for possible interference by external forces and separatist activities by a handful of "Taiwan independence" separatists. Such measures would certainly not be targeted at the people of Taiwan.

PRC Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents 

The residence permit for Taiwan residents is a permit available to Taiwan residents who come to work, study, live, and travel in the mainland, with protection provided for the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan residents on the mainland. On August 6, 2018 the General Office of the State Council published the procedures for the application and issuance of residence permits for Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan Residents, and the permit system took effect on September 1, 2018.

The Association for Relations across the Taiwan Strait and the Strait Exchange Foundation

The Association for Relations across the Taiwan Strait (ARATS) is a public organization established in Beijing on December 16, 1991 for the purpose of promoting peaceful reunification. Entrusted by the mainland authorities, it handles communications with its counterpart in Taiwan on issues regarding cross-Strait exchanges and is authorized to conclude relevant agreements. The Strait Exchange Foundation (SEF) was established in Taiwan on November 21, 1990. It is a non-governmental organization authorized by the Taiwanese authorities to handle cross-Strait affairs. Since the beginning of the 1990s, ARATS and SEF, under authorization from the authorities on both sides, have been holding talks and dialogues for the purpose of promoting economic, trade, scientific, technological, and cultural exchanges between the two sides. Pictured here are ARATS and SEF representatives signing official documents.

We may not be able to decide on what has happened in the past, but we can certainly seize the moment and choose our future. Seventy years have passed, and that is long enough to let bygones be bygones and leave bitterness, hate, and separation behind us. Looking to the future, we have every reason to believe that we can build the mutual trust that allays misgivings, that we can increase communication and clear up misunderstanding, and that we can let peace prevail over conflict. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, working together, will usher in a bright future for the country as we realize the reunification of the Chinese nation and achieve the goal of national rejuvenation. 

Q & A 

Q: What are the "three direct links"?

A: The term "three direct links" refers to direct mail, trade, and air links between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. In its "Letter to Taiwan Compatriots" published on New Year's Day in 1979, the Standing Committee of the NPC proposed that the two sides "realize air and mail links as soon as possible" and develop trade and economic cooperation. On September 30, 1981, at a meeting with Xinhua News Agency reporters, Ye Jianying, then Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said that "the two sides should make joint efforts to facilitate cross-Strait postal, trade, and air services and the relevant agreements should be concluded accordingly". The mainland, for its part, has made unremitting efforts for the "three direct links" to become reality. On December 15, 2008, cross-Strait air and postal services began. On June 30, 2009, Taiwan opened its market to mainland investors. On August 31 of the same year, airlines began to operate regular flights across the Taiwan Strait. The "three direct links" between the two sides had finally become a reality. 

Q: What are the "four connections" and "equal treatment"?

A: It is connections in four areas, i.e. in trade, infrastructure, energy, and industry

standards. In areas close to Taiwan, or areas where there are comparable conditions, there must be equal, inclusive, and convenient basic public services. 

Expert Comment

The Central Government: Fully Confident about the Future of Hong Kong and Macao

Zhang Xiaoming (Minister, Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council): In the 2019 Report on the Work of the Government, the Premier says, "We firmly believe that Hong Kong and Macao will advance along with the mainland and will maintain long-term prosperity and stability". This shows the Central Government's confidence in the future development of Hong Kong and Macao. This confidence is based on strong development in the country as a whole, the CPC's political leadership, and the country's effective institutions as well as the strength of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and the wisdom and abilities of the people in Hong Kong and Macao with regard to their own governance.

Social Media Comments 

"One Country, Two Systems" is a feasible concept in the sense that it sets "one country" as the cardinal principle while allowing two separate systems to coexist. Without the "one country" as the foundation, there would be no two systems to speak of.

More than 20 years after its return to China, the city of Hong Kong, the Pearl of the East, remains beautiful and prosperous.

Macao has gone through a sea of changes, developing from a tiny city into a flourishing metropolis. What was once a small town for lovers of literature and the arts has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of one big family. There is no problem that cannot be resolved, and no misgiving that cannot be cleared up within this family. 

China by the Numbers 

Major Economic Indicators in Hong Kong and Macao after Return

1. From 1997 to 2017, Hong Kong's GDP increased from HKD 1.37 trillion to HKD 2.66 trillion, the total market capitalization in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange increased from HKD 3.2 trillion to HKD 27.9 trillion, and the number of listed companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange increased from 619 to 2020. The growth rate of major economic indicators during the same period was among the highest of developed economies. The position of Hong Kong as an international financial, shipping and trade center was further solidified.

2. From 1999 to 2017, Macao's GDP increased from 51.872 billion patacas to 404.2 billion, and the number of inbound tourist visits increased from under 8 million to more than 32.6 million. The tourism, exhibition, catering, hotel, and retail industries have been developing in impressive leaps and bounds. 

Useful Things to Know 

Open Letters to Taiwan Compatriots

• On February 28, 1950, the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, one of the political parties on the mainland, published a letter calling for the liberation of Taiwan.

• On October 6, 1958, the Ministry of National Defense of the PRC issued an open letter to the people in Taiwan. The letter, written by Mao Zedong and published in the name of then Defense Minister Peng Dehuai, called for Taiwan to join hands with the mainland to deal with the imperialist forces led by the United States.

• On October 25, 1958, the Ministry of National Defense issued a second open letter to the people in Taiwan calling them again to unite with the mainland. It indicated that there was no future for Taiwan in following the United States. The only solution was to unite with the mainland to resist foreign influences.

• On November 1, 1958, the Ministry of National Defense published a third open letter to the people in Taiwan.

• On January 1, 1979, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of the PRC published an open letter to the people in Taiwan calling for the Taiwanese authorities to accede to the times and to the aspirations of the people by ending the state of separation and reuniting with the mainland. This letter is well-known for its proposal for peaceful reunification, which marked a major change in policy toward Taiwan in the new era.