The University of Hong Kong's Public Opinion Program's latest survey on Hong Kong people's confidence in "One Country, Two Systems" has once again drawn public attention to the implementation of the concept. I believe that, regardless of the results of such opinion polls, there's no need to be nervous about, or over-interpret the implications of dramatic rises or falls in a particular survey, because it is far more important for the patriotic camp to explain to local residents what "One Country, Two Systems" really means.

Hong Kong people may have different feelings about "One Country, Two Systems", but its implementation, so far, has been very clear and can be assessed objectively. When China and the United Kingdom were negotiating over how Hong Kong would exist after the handover, in order to protect the city's stability and prosperity, the central government decided to establish the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), where the "One Country, Two Systems" principle is applied to all policies. The framework for and content of the exercise of "One Country, Two Systems" are stipulated in the Basic Law. Therefore, supporting the implementation of the Basic Law equals to supporting "One Country, Two Systems" and anything that goes against the Basic Law is tantamount to violating the principle.

The opposition camp has been complaining about "violations" of the "One Country, Two Systems" concept every now and then since the handover, but has never provided any evidence as to what exactly violated it and how. Without any evidence, such accusations are no different from political smearing.

Therefore, it's quite appropriate for Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to promise that the HKSAR government will step up efforts to inform Hong Kong people about the Basic Law and what "One Country, Two Systems" really is so as to clear up their misunderstanding of and unfounded misgivings toward the principle.

As a matter of fact, "One Country, Two Systems" not only ensures Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, but also serves as the foundation for the HKSAR's existence. That's why all Hong Kong residents should know it well and protect it as best they can. By the same token, CY Leung offered the precise positioning of the HKSAR under "One Country, Two Systems" when he said during a recent visit to the United States that Hong Kong can serve as a "super contact" between China and the US in economic and trade affairs.

Hong Kong, as an inseparable part of China, is more closely connected with the Western capitalist camp than any other region of the country, and is also one of the most developed capitalist economies in the world. Under "One Country, Two Systems", Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of its Chinese background and policy support from the central government, thanks to the "One Country" concept. Examples of the advantage can be found in supportive measures taken by the central government, such as the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement and its supplement, the Individual Visit Scheme and involvement in the country's five-year plans. The main difference between Hong Kong and the mainland is that we have a full-fledged capitalist system, rich experience in economic development and unrivaled connections to other capitalist economies. That means under "One Country, Two Systems," Hong Kong is irreplaceable.

It must be noted that "One Country" and "Two Systems" are two inalienable parts of an organic whole. The more Hong Kong is integrated and connected with the mainland, the more valuable it is to the international community. On the other hand, the stronger Hong Kong's capitalist influence the deeper it is integrated with the capitalist world and the more significant its role becomes in the country's development. Otherwise, Hong Kong's value will decrease and its room for development will shrink as its role in the nation's development diminishes. As a result, its appeal to the rest of the world will fade as well.

The opposition camp in recent years has often stressed "Two Systems" while trying its best not to mention "One Country" in a bid to justify its attempts to jeopardize Hong Kong's normal interaction with the mainland. But I wonder why it has yet to tell local residents where Hong Kong would stand in the international community if it is completely separated from the country. That is why Hong Kong residents should learn the Basic Law and understand the "One Country, Two Systems" principle as best they can. Then, they will realize how blessed they are and how ridiculous it is to lose confidence in it just because the opposition says they should.

The author is vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Young Commentators.

(HK Edition 07/04/2013 page9)