CPC upholding 'one country, two systems' secures bright future of SARs

The "one country, two systems" policy will guarantee Hong Kong and Macao have a bright future, representatives from the two special administrative regions said following a recent key Communist Party of China Central Committee meeting.

The text of the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century was released on Tuesday. The CPC Central Committee has adopted a series of measures to address both the symptoms and root causes of issues in the SARs and resolutely implemented the principle that Hong Kong and Macao should be administered by patriots, it said.

The resolution was adopted at the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee held from Nov 8 to 11.

The measures included introducing the National Security Law for Hong Kong in June last year and revamping the city's electoral system in March.

"These moves have helped to restore order in Hong Kong and ensure a turn for the better in the region," the resolution said, adding that a solid foundation has been laid for advancing law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macao and for securing the continued success of "one country, two systems".

Common destiny

Yu Kwok-chun, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body, said: "Hong Kong shares a common destiny with the motherland."

Hong Kong society should have a deep understanding of the historical significance of the Party's century-long struggle and draw strength from it, said Yu, who is also chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Overseas Chinese Associations.

People from all walks of life in Hong Kong should follow the "one country, two systems" principle, safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and contribute to realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, he said.

Lam Shu-chit, honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Federation of Fujian Associations, said the central leadership has adopted measures to help return order to Hong Kong and laid a solid foundation for the steady and long-term implementation of "one country, two systems". The implementation of the National Security Law, improvement of the city's electoral system and the firm implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" had also added to the foundations of stable development, Lam said.

Yao Zhisheng, chairman of the Hong Kong Association for Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, said the Party has created, developed and defended the cause of "one country, two systems".

The meeting, which reviewed the historical experience of the Party in upholding "one country, two systems", was significant for Hong Kong society to strengthen its confidence, seize development opportunities and start a new future, he said.

Yao said that the meeting stressed resolute opposition to "Taiwan independence", which also demonstrated the determination, resolve and confidence of the Chinese people in resolving the Taiwan question, and the bright prospect that the motherland must and will be reunified.

Lao Ngai-leong, vice-chairman of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese and a Macao deputy to the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, said that since Macao's return to China, the "one country, two systems" policy and the city's closer integration with the motherland have given residents a sense of fulfillment. "Macao residents have gained a better understanding of the motherland's development achievements," he said.

The central government has been supporting the diversified and sustainable development of Macao's economy by including it in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and releasing a development plan for the Guangdong-Macao cooperation zone in Hengqin, Guangdong province.

"Macao is deeply integrating with the overall development of the country and enjoying the huge opportunities brought by it," he added.