Chen Chengxin: The Path of "One Country, Two Systems" is Growing Ever Wider
At this historic moment of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, President Xi Jinping personally visited Hong Kong, bringing the deep concern of the Central Government and the well-wishes of the more than 1.4 billion people of the motherland. This has greatly strengthened the confidence of both Hong Kong and the international community in "One Country, Two Systems" and Hong Kong’s development prospects. On July 18, 2022, Xia Baolong, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, pointed out at a symposium on "Studying and Implementing the Spirit of President Xi Jinping’s Important Speech at the Meeting Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland and the Inaugural Ceremony of the Sixth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" that President Xi’s important speech connects history, reality, and the future. By revealing laws, directions, and general trends, the speech scientifically answered major theoretical and practical questions regarding the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy. It pointed the way forward and provided the fundamental guidance for advancing the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in the New Era to ensure its steady and sustained progress.
The 25th anniversary is a milestone and, more importantly, a new starting point. The practice of "One Country, Two Systems" has entered a new stage; the path taken has been successful, and the road ahead will grow even wider.
Accurately understanding the historical logic of Hong Kong's development and aiming for the correct forward direction
President Xi Jinping’s important speech contains profound historical logic, providing guidance at a critical historical juncture as Hong Kong moves from chaos to governance and toward prosperity [1]. It holds milestone significance in the history of the development of the "One Country, Two Systems" cause. Xia Baolong stated that President Xi’s speech "anchors the historical coordinates of the practice of 'One Country, Two Systems' in Hong Kong," "points out the developmental direction for 'One Country, Two Systems' in Hong Kong," and "solidifies firm confidence in the practice of 'One Country, Two Systems' in Hong Kong."
Hong Kong's roots are in the motherland; the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong must always move in the same direction as the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation. President Xi pointed out that throughout history, Hong Kong compatriots have always shared the same fate and bloodline as the motherland, standing together through thick and thin. Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has actively integrated into the overall national development framework and aligned with national development strategies. In the magnificent torrent of the nation's reform and opening up, Hong Kong has played an important role as a bridge and window connecting the mainland with the rest of the world. It has performed a vital function in constructing China's new pattern of opening up to the outside world—characterized by greater scope, broader fields, and deeper levels—and has made irreplaceable contributions to the miracle of the motherland’s long-term, stable, and rapid economic development. President Xi’s important speech fully affirms the unique and important contributions Hong Kong made during the various historical periods of China’s revolution, construction, and reform, while also pointing out the historical mission Hong Kong shoulders in the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation.
To create a new situation and achieve a new leap, Hong Kong must firmly grasp the developmental direction of the practice of "One Country, Two Systems." The fundamental purpose of "One Country, Two Systems" is to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and to maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. Among these, safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the supreme principle. The Central Government has repeatedly emphasized this supreme principle because "only when the country is secure can the home be well"; without "One Country," there can be no "Two Systems." The stronger the "One Country" principle, the more manifest the advantages of "Two Systems."
"One Country, Two Systems" must be upheld over the long term; this is a historical necessity and the aspiration of the people. "One Country, Two Systems" is a sound system that has been repeatedly tested through practice, demonstrating strong institutional resilience as it moves steadily forward. Neither the international financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, nor instances of severe social unrest have blocked Hong Kong's progress. "There is no reason to change such a good system, and it must be upheld over the long term!" President Xi’s important speech fully demonstrates the Central Government’s historical confidence and rock-firm will in unswervingly implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" policy.
Deeply comprehending the theoretical logic of the "Four Musts" and strengthening institutional confidence
At the symposium, Xia Baolong pointed out that President Xi Jinping's important speech contains scientific theoretical logic. It profoundly explicates the regularity of the "Four Musts" [2] and reveals the code for why the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" was successful in the past and how it can achieve even greater success in the future. This interpretation allows people to more deeply comprehend the rich connotations and internal logic of the "Four Musts."
The general requirement that "we must comprehensively and accurately implement the 'One Country, Two Systems' policy" must be followed. The "One Country, Two Systems" policy is a complete system that conforms to China’s national governance strategic goals and the fundamental interests of all its people. The key is to prioritize the foundation of "One Country." The firmer the "One Country" principle, the more the advantages of "Two Systems" will be showcased. For a period, various forms of chaos appeared in Hong Kong; a fundamental reason for this was the failure to comprehensively and accurately understand and implement the "One Country, Two Systems" policy.
"We must maintain the integration of the Central Government’s overall jurisdiction and the guarantee of a high degree of autonomy for the Special Administrative Regions" (SARs) in order to govern the SARs well. After their return, Hong Kong and Macao were reincorporated into the national governance system. The Central Government’s overall jurisdiction is the source of the SARs' high degree of autonomy; the relationship between the two is like that of a "source" (yuán) and its "stream" (liú). It is necessary to recognize the source and implement the Central Government’s overall jurisdiction while also achieving unified connectivity, maintaining and safeguarding the executive-led system of the SARs, and mobilizing the initiative, enthusiasm, and creativity of all sectors of society.
"We must implement 'patriots administering Hong Kong'" to ensure Hong Kong's long-term peace and stability. Political power must be held by patriots; this is a universal political rule. The formulation and promulgation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the improvement of Hong Kong’s electoral system have ensured the full implementation of the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle. This provides an organizational guarantee and institutional foundation for Hong Kong to exclude all interference and focus single-mindedly on development.
"We must maintain Hong Kong's unique status and advantages" is a long-term strategy. Xia Baolong pointed out that President Xi elevated "maintaining Hong Kong's unique status and advantages" to the level of a regular law of the practice of "One Country, Two Systems," which shows high regard and deep affection for Hong Kong. The Central Government always considers Hong Kong affairs from a strategic and global perspective, taking the fundamental and long-term interests of the nation and Hong Kong as its starting point and ultimate goal. The Central Government fully supports Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status and advantages for a long time; Hong Kong will surely shine even more brilliantly.
Firmly grasping the practical logic of the "Four Expectations" to promote good governance
President Xi Jinping's important speech contains a clear practical logic, expressing fervent expectations that the new SAR government will strive to improve governance, continuously enhance development momentum, effectively resolve people’s difficulties in their livelihoods, and jointly safeguard harmony and stability. This provides strong practical guidance for Hong Kong to achieve good governance. Xia Baolong used "four implementations" to deeply elaborate on the "Four Expectations" [3] proposed by President Xi, further clarifying the focal points for their realization.
Build a proactive government and better combine a proactive government with an efficient market. Hong Kong has long followed the philosophy of "small government, big market," which has led to the accumulation of many deep-seated contradictions and problems. President Xi pointed out that "the Chief Executive and the SAR Government are the masters of Hong Kong’s house and the primary responsible parties for governing Hong Kong," emphasizing the need to "properly handle the relationship between the government and the market and better combine a proactive government with an efficient market." This is highly relevant to current realities. Since the new Hong Kong SAR government took office, it has acted with vigor and speed, striving to transform governance concepts and improve governance capabilities, demonstrating a new atmosphere of governance characterized by the courage to take responsibility and the ability to achieve results.
Make full and effective use of the Central Government's "Three Full Supports" to promote better development for Hong Kong at a new starting point. "Development" was a high-frequency word in President Xi’s important speech. Hong Kong should utilize the Central Government's "Three Full Supports" [4] to actively align with national strategies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the high-quality development of the "Belt and Road Initiative." This will stimulate social development vitality and strive to achieve a firmer foundation for development, stronger momentum, and broader space.
Respond to public expectations with concrete work results. Being people-centered is the core of the current practice of "One Country, Two Systems." Adhering to a people-centered approach means making the expectations of the whole society, especially ordinary citizens, the primary pursuit of governance. This ensures that the fruits of development benefit all citizens more fairly and allows them to see hope for a better life.
Unite all sectors of society to gather the monumental strength for the steady and sustained progress of the "One Country, Two Systems" practice. To build a beautiful home, we must unite all forces that can be united and strive to draw the "largest possible concentric circle" under the banners of loving the country and Hong Kong, and loving the country and Macao. In the process of helping the youth solve practical difficulties in their studies, employment, entrepreneurship, and housing, we must guide them to deeply understand the developmental trends of the nation and the world, strengthen their sense of national identity and ownership, and contribute to the construction of Hong Kong and Macao and their integration into the overall national development, jointly creating a better life.