Uphold the Principle of Patriots Governing Hong Kong to Secure the Success of the One Country, Two Systems Policy

Uphold the Principle of Patriots Governing Hong Kong to Secure the Success of the One Country, Two Systems Policy*

January 27 and December 22, 2021

I

In line with the requirements of Covid-19 control, I have listened to your 2020 work report via video link. First of all, I would like to communicate my sincere concern to all residents in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Covid-19 has exerted a massive impact on the world over the past year and more, and Hong Kong, a highly-open international metropolis, has not been spared. I was deeply concerned when the fourth wave of the pandemic swept Hong Kong not long ago, posing a serious threat to the safety and health of Hong Kong residents and affecting their lives and their work. The central government has taken and will continue to take all necessary measures to support the HKSAR in fighting the disease. I hope all of you will remain confident and stay united in the battle. Hong Kong always has the strong backing of the motherland, and can surely overcome the difficulties at hand.

Over the past year, you and the HKSAR government have dealt calmly with multiple serious challenges brought by the turbulence over the proposed ordinance amendments, the Covid-19 pandemic, and adverse changes in the external environment. A significant degree of success has been achieved in maintaining order, fighting the virus, addressing people’s difficulties, and reviving the economy. What should be noted is that since the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) adopted the Hong Kong national security law, you have led the HKSAR government in resolutely enforcing the law to end violence and chaos and bring Hong Kong back on track. On major issues of principle such as national security, you have taken a firm stand and shouldered your responsibilities, demonstrating your love for and strong sense of responsibility to the country and Hong Kong. The central authorities fully appreciate how you and the HKSAR government have performed in fulfilling your duties.

The restoration of order and stability in Hong Kong has demonstrated once again that we must always uphold the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong to secure steady and continued success of the One Country, Two Systems policy. It is a fundamental principle critical to the sovereignty, security, development interests of our country, and to long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. Only by applying this principle can the central government’s overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR be effectively exercised and the constitutional order as established by the Constitution and the Basic Law be effectively maintained. This will enable Hong Kong to solve its deep-seated problems, achieve durable stability and security, and contribute to national rejuvenation.

(from a virtual meeting with HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie
Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who reported on her work in 2020, 
January 27, 2021)

II

Over the past year, Hong Kong has consolidated its achievements in restoring order and the situation has steadily improved. Notable results have been achieved in the Covid-19 response, in economic recovery, and in maintaining social stability.       

Under the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the HKSAR government has made systematic modifications to Hong Kong’s electoral system in accordance with the decision of the NPC and the legislation of the NPC Standing Committee. It has held the elections of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council with success, and taken solid steps to advance democracy in Hong Kong in line with its realities. It has resolutely implemented the National Security Law of Hong Kong to end violence and chaos, restore order, and ensure a turn for the better in the region, and upheld the authority and dignity of the rule of law. It has also taken active measures to integrate Hong Kong into the country’s overall development and expand exchanges and cooperation with the mainland in all areas.

The central authorities fully appreciate the work of the Chief Executive and the HKSAR government.

Several days ago, the election of the Seventh Legislative Council of the HKSAR was held. Under the new electoral system, the elections of the Election Committee and the Seventh Legislative Council were both successful. Our compatriots in Hong Kong exercised their democratic rights as the masters of the region and upheld the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong, and a political landscape with extensive and balanced participation of all social sectors and constituencies was created. The new electoral system embodies the One Country, Two Systems policy and fits Hong Kong’s realities. It is a good system that will provide strong institutional support for the implementation of the One Country, Two Systems policy and for enduring prosperity and stability in the region.

This year marks the centenary of the CPC. At its Sixth Plenary Session, the 19th CPC Central Committee adopted a resolution on the major achievements and historical experience of the Party over the past century. The resolution highlights the One Country, Two Systems policy as a historic achievement of the Party. The extraordinary experience over the past two decades and more since the return of Hong Kong has proved that the One Country, Two Systems policy serves the best interests of the country, the HKSAR, and our Hong Kong compatriots. The central authorities will continue to firmly implement the policy, and we have full confidence that its strengths will become more evident as the relevant systems are improved. Our compatriots in Hong Kong will certainly carry on their honorable tradition of loving the country and Hong Kong, and strive for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation shoulder to shoulder with the people of the rest of the country.

(from a meeting with HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam
Cheng Yuet-ngor, who reported on her work during a visit to Beijing,
December 22, 2021)

* Main points in response to the work reports from Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

(Not to be republished for any commercial or other purposes.)