On the morning of July 1, the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region were grandly held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, State President and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended and delivered an important speech.
Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Yao Dawei
Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, July 1st
Speech at the Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to the Motherland and the Inauguration Ceremony of the Sixth Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(July 1, 2022)
Xi Jinping
Compatriots and friends:
Today, we have a grand gathering here to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and hold the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
First of all, I would like to extend my sincere greetings to all Hong Kong residents!
I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the newly-appointed sixth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr. Li Jiachao, and to the principal officials and members of the Executive Council of the sixth term of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government!
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my compatriots at home and abroad and international friends who have supported the cause of "One Country, Two Systems" and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong!
The civilization history of the Chinese nation for more than 5,000 years records the hard work of the Chinese ancestors in the land of Lingnan.
The modern history of China after the Opium War records the humiliation of Hong Kong's forced cession, and also records the struggle of the sons and daughters of China to save their lives.
The magnificent century-old struggle of the Chinese Communist Party united and led the people records the unique and important contributions made by the Hong Kong compatriots.
Throughout history, Hong Kong compatriots have always stood together with the motherland through thick and thin, and are connected by blood.
The return of Hong Kong to the motherland has ushered in a new era in Hong Kong's history.
Over the past 25 years, with the full support of the motherland and the joint efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society, the practice of "one country, two systems" has achieved universally recognized success in Hong Kong.
——After returning to the motherland, Hong Kong has dared to be the first in the world, dared to be a trend-setter, and played the role of an important bridge and window connecting the mainland of the motherland and the rest of the world in the magnificent torrent of national reform and opening up, and created the miracle of long-term, stable and rapid economic development for the motherland. an irreplaceable contribution.
Hong Kong actively integrates into the overall situation of national development, aligns with the national development strategy, and continues to maintain the advantages of a high degree of freedom and openness and smooth integration with international rules.
The fields of exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the Mainland have been comprehensively expanded, and the mechanism has been continuously improved.
——After returning to the motherland, Hong Kong has overcome all kinds of wind and rain challenges and moved forward steadily.
Whether it is the international financial crisis, the new crown pneumonia epidemic, or some violent social unrest, nothing has stopped Hong Kong's progress.
Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong's economy has flourished, its status as an international financial, shipping, and trade center has been solid, and its innovative technology industry has emerged rapidly. Its freedom and openness is the world's largest, and its business environment is world-class. The original laws, including common law, have been maintained and developed. All social undertakings made progress in an all-round way, and the overall social situation was generally stable.
The vitality of Hong Kong as a cosmopolitan city has amazed the world.
——After returning to the motherland, Hong Kong compatriots have realized the mastery of the country, practiced "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, which opened the real democracy in Hong Kong.
Over the past 25 years, the constitutional order of the Special Administrative Region based on the Constitution and the Basic Law has been running steadily, the central government's overall governance power has been implemented, and the Special Administrative Region's high degree of autonomy has been properly exercised.
The National Security Law for Hong Kong was enacted, the institutional norms for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region were established, and the Hong Kong election system was revised and improved to ensure the implementation of the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong".
The democratic system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is in line with the principle of "one country, two systems" and the constitutional status of Hong Kong. It is conducive to safeguarding the democratic rights of Hong Kong residents, and is conducive to maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, showing a bright future.
Compatriots and friends!
"One country, two systems" is a great innovation unprecedented in history.
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 Macau.
Everything the central government does is for the good of the country, for the good of Hong Kong and Macao, and for the good of the compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao.
At the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, I once said that the central government adheres to two points in implementing the "one country, two systems" policy. .
Today, I would like to stress again that "one country, two systems" has been repeatedly tested in practice. It is in line with the fundamental interests of the country and the nation, as well as the fundamental interests of Hong Kong and Macau. It has been generally approved by the international community.
Such a good system, there is no reason to change it, it must be adhered to for a long time!
Compatriots and friends!
Review the old and know the new, learn from the past and know the future.
The rich practice of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong has left us a lot of valuable experience and profound inspiration.
Twenty-five years of practice has taught us that only by deeply understanding and accurately grasping the practical laws of "one country, two systems" can we ensure that the cause of "one country, two systems" will always go in the right direction.
First, the principle of "one country, two systems" must be fully and accurately implemented.
The "one country, two systems" policy is a complete system.
Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the highest principle of the "one country, two systems" policy. Under this premise, Hong Kong and Macau will maintain their original capitalist system for a long time and enjoy a high degree of autonomy.
The socialist system is the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China, and the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics. All residents of the special administrative region should consciously respect and safeguard the fundamental system of the country.
The full and accurate implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy will create unlimited development space for Hong Kong and Macau.
The stronger the "one country" principle is, the more obvious the advantages of "two systems" will be.
Second, we must adhere to the unity of the central government's overall governance power and the guarantee of a high degree of autonomy for the special administrative regions.
Hong Kong returned to the motherland, reintegrated into the national governance system, and established a special administrative region constitutional order based on the principle of "one country, two systems".
The central government has overall governance over the special administrative region, which is the source of the special administrative region's high degree of autonomy.
The implementation of the central government's overall governance power and the protection of the special administrative region's high degree of autonomy are unified and linked. Only by doing this can the special administrative region be managed well.
The Special Administrative Region adheres to the executive-led system. The executive, legislative and judicial organs perform their duties in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant laws. The executive and legislative organs both check and balance each other and cooperate with each other, and the judicial organs exercise judicial power independently in accordance with the law.
Third, we must implement "patriots ruling Hong Kong".
The political power must be in the hands of the patriots, this is the general political law in the world.
No country or region in the world will allow unpatriotic or even traitorous or treasonous forces and figures to take power.
It is an inevitable requirement to ensure the long-term stability of Hong Kong to firmly hold the governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the hands of patriots, and it cannot be shaken at any time.
Safeguarding the right to govern means safeguarding the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and safeguarding the vital interests of the more than seven million Hong Kong residents.
Fourth, Hong Kong's unique position and advantages must be maintained.
In handling Hong Kong affairs, the central government has always considered it from a strategic and overall perspective, and has always taken the fundamental and long-term interests of the country and Hong Kong as its starting point and end point.
The fundamental interests of Hong Kong are consistent with the fundamental interests of the country, and the hearts of the central government and the hearts of Hong Kong compatriots are completely connected.
Backed by the motherland and connected to the world, this is Hong Kong's unique and significant advantage. Hong Kong residents cherish it, and the central government also cherishes it.
The central government fully supports Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status and advantages for a long time, consolidating its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, maintaining a free, open and regulated business environment, maintaining the common law system, and expanding smooth and convenient international ties.
The Central Committee believes that in the historical process of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Hong Kong will surely make a significant contribution.
Compatriots and friends!
As the Chinese people and the Chinese nation ushered in the great leap from standing up, becoming rich to becoming strong, Hong Kong compatriots have never been absent.
At present, Hong Kong is in a new stage from chaos to governance to governance and prosperity. The next five years will be a critical period for Hong Kong to break new ground and achieve a new leap forward.
Opportunities and challenges coexist, and opportunities outweigh challenges.
The central government and people from all walks of life in Hong Kong have high hopes for the new SAR government, and people of all ethnic groups in the country are full of blessings for Hong Kong.
Here, I offer 4 points of hope.
First, focus on improving the level of governance.
Improving the governance system, enhancing the governance capacity, and enhancing the governance efficiency are the urgent needs to build and develop the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region well.
The Chief Executive and the Government of the Special Administrative Region are the leaders of Hong Kong and the first responsible for governing Hong Kong.
We must faithfully fulfill our oath, implement the "one country, two systems" policy with practical actions, safeguard the authority of the Basic Law, and serve the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region wholeheartedly.
It is necessary to select talents and appoint them according to the standard of having both political integrity and ability, and widely attract outstanding talents who have a firm stand of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, have outstanding governance capabilities, and are enthusiastic about serving the public to join the government.
It is necessary to enhance the national concept and international vision, and actively plan the development of Hong Kong from the overall situation and long-term needs.
It is necessary to change the governance concept, grasp the relationship between the government and the market, and better combine the promising government with the efficient market.
It is necessary to strengthen government management, improve the government's work style, establish a new style of daring to take responsibility and do good deeds, and demonstrate a new atmosphere of good governance and good governance.
Second, continue to enhance the momentum of development.
Hong Kong has a special status, excellent conditions and very broad space for development.
The central government fully supports Hong Kong in seizing the historical opportunities brought about by national development and actively aligning 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.
The Central Government fully supports Hong Kong to carry out wider and closer exchanges and cooperation with other parts of the world, attracting entrepreneurs full of dreams to come here to display their ambitions.
The central government fully supports Hong Kong to actively and prudently push forward reforms, break down the barriers of solidified interests, and fully unleash the tremendous creativity and development vitality of Hong Kong society.
Third, effectively solve the problems of people's livelihood.
"Those who enjoy the benefits of the world will take care of the world's problems; those who live in the world's happiness will share the world's worries." I said that the people's yearning for a better life is our goal.
At present, Hong Kong's biggest public sentiment is to hope for a better life, to live in a more spacious house, to have more opportunities to start a business, to have better education for children, and to take better care of them when they are older.
The people call, and I respond.
The new special administrative region government must be pragmatic and promising, live up to the people, take the expectations of the whole society, especially ordinary citizens, as the biggest pursuit of governance, and take bolder and more effective measures to overcome difficulties and achieve development results. More and fairer benefits for all citizens, so that every citizen believes that as long as they work hard, they can completely change their lives and their families.
Fourth, jointly maintain harmony and stability.
Hong Kong is a common home for all residents, where everything is prosperous.
After going through ups and downs, everyone feels that Hong Kong cannot be chaotic and cannot afford to be chaotic, and even more deeply feels that Hong Kong's development cannot be delayed any longer.
Hong Kong residents, no matter what occupation or belief they believe in, as long as they sincerely support the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, as long as they love Hong Kong as their homeland, and as long as they abide by the Basic Law and the laws of the Special Administrative Region, they are all positive forces for the construction of Hong Kong, and they can all contribute and contribute. a contribution.
It is hoped that all Hong Kong compatriots will vigorously promote the mainstream values centered on patriotism and love for Hong Kong, which are compatible with the "one country, two systems" policy, continue to carry forward the fine tradition of tolerance and mutual assistance, seeking common ground while reserving differences, self-improvement, hard work and courage to win, and jointly create a better life.
We must also pay special attention to caring for young people.
If youth thrive, Hong Kong will thrive; if youth develop, Hong Kong will develop; if youth have a future, Hong Kong will have a future.
It is necessary to lead young people to deeply understand the development trend of the country and the world, and enhance their national pride and sense of ownership.
It is necessary to help the majority of young people solve the practical difficulties faced by their studies, employment, entrepreneurship, and property ownership, and create more opportunities for them to grow and become talents.
We earnestly hope that every youth in Hong Kong will join the ranks of building a better Hong Kong and write a wonderful life with a fiery youth.
Compatriots and friends!
"I would like to use the wings of the yellow crane to fly into the sky." The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process.
Promoting the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is an important part of this historical process.
We firmly believe that with the firm support of the great motherland and the solid guarantee of the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong will certainly be able to create greater splendor and share the Chinese nation with the people of the motherland on the new journey of realizing my country's second centenary goal. The glory of the great revival!