Liaison chief: HK must uphold Basic Law despite challenges

The central government's top liaison official in Hong Kong on Saturday urged the special administrative region to uphold the country's Constitution and the principle of "one country, two systems" in face of challenges.

Luo Huining, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, made the remarks in an article published on the office's website in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Hong Kong Basic Law.

He said the Basic Law has successfully guaranteed the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle – a pioneering initiative. However, he noted challenges have surfaced in the evolving process of the actual application of the principle.

Luo referred to the prolonged anti-government social unrest that broke out since June 2019, during which the public have seen repeated and blatant attacks that threaten the bottom line of "one country, two systems" principle and posed unprecedented challenges to the authority of the Basic Law and the nation's Constitution.

Stressing that Hong Kong has entered into a time when deep-seated problems must be addressed, Luo called on Hong Kong compatriots to stay committed to the principle of "one country, two systems" in spite of difficulties.

He also called for the public to fully understand that national sovereignty, security and development interests are key to the HKSAR's long-term stability and prosperity.

Only with a solid legal system and sound enforcement mechanism can Hong Kong shoulder its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security so as to maintain its long-term stability, Luo wrote.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law, Luo encouraged Hong Kong's civil servants, as well as the young people to learn more about the Basic Law, including the institutional safeguards, and the rights and duties of Hong Kong residents.