HK electoral system improvements conform to practical need: FM

Improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and implementing the "patriots governing Hong Kong" principle conform to the practical need to maintain "one country, two systems", as well as the long-term stability of Hong Kong, Wang Yi, State Councilor and Foreign Minister, said on Sunday.

Wang made the remarks in response to a draft decision to improve the region's electoral system recently submitted to the ongoing fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for deliberation.

According to Wang Chen, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, the draft decision will center on reform and greater empowerment of the Election Committee of the SAR as part of the overall design of the electoral system. This agenda has prompted some international governments to question if the move will undermine the "one country, two systems", as well as Hong Kong's democracy.

Wang said at a news conference on Sunday that improving the Hong Kong electoral system is required to meet practical needs and also is the power and responsibility conferred on the NPC by the Constitution, which is fully constitutional and justified.

Any country in the world will take allegiance to the motherland as a basic political ethic that must be observed by public officials or those who run for public posts, and so does Hong Kong, he said.

Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. One cannot talk about loving Hong Kong without loving its motherland, he said, adding that love for the country and for Hong Kong is completely consistent.

Hong Kong enjoyed no democracy during colonial rule. Since its return to the motherland 24 years ago, no one is more concerned about Hong Kong's democratic development and wishes Hong Kong to remain prosperous and stable than the central government, he said.

The shift from chaos to governance in Hong Kong is fully in line with the interests of all parties and will provide a solid safeguard for the rights of Hong Kong residents and the legitimate interests of foreign investors, he said.

"We are determined to continue to uphold 'one country, two systems' and 'Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong' principles, as well as a high degree of autonomy. We are confident that Hong Kong's future will be better," he added.