China News Agency, Beijing, April 5 Question: The implementation of the Hong Kong Basic Law must keep pace with the times, and we must not forget our original intentions
China News Agency reporter Chen Xiaoyuan
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the "Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China". Seminars, exhibitions and other activities related to this law are being launched in the Mainland and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, which has been troubled by amendments for several months, how to treat this law is very important for the stability of "one country, two systems".
The Basic Law of Hong Kong has important historical significance. On April 4, 1990, the Third Session of the Seventh National People's Congress reviewed and passed the Hong Kong Basic Law, legalizing and institutionalizing the concept of "one country, two systems." This laid a solid legal foundation for the smooth return of Hong Kong, the establishment of the Special Administrative Region and the maintenance of long-term prosperity and stability after the return.
After the return of Hong Kong, the Basic Law has been implemented for more than 20 years. Since June last year, a lot of amendments have occurred in Hong Kong, and there have been many acts that touch the bottom line of the principle of "one country, two systems", which has unprecedentedly challenged the authority of the Constitution and the Basic Law.
On the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law of Hong Kong, there is a view that the law should be debated and the amendment of the law should be initiated. However, as a constitutional law, the Basic Law is essential to maintain its authority and continuity, and it cannot be modified lightly. The crux of solving the current problems in Hong Kong is not to amend the Basic Law, but to how to implement the Basic Law comprehensively and accurately.
The implementation of the Hong Kong Basic Law must keep pace with the times, and we must not forget our original intentions. The legislative purpose of Hong Kong ’s Basic Law is clearly stated in its preamble, that is, “in order to maintain the unity and territorial integrity of the country and maintain Hong Kong ’s prosperity and stability”. The course since the return of Hong Kong shows that "not forgetting the original intention", when the Constitution and the Basic Law are respected and observed, Hong Kong society will be harmonious and stable, otherwise it will be chaotic.
The vitality of the law lies in its implementation. The implementation of Hong Kong ’s Basic Law should at all times follow the legislative purpose, adhere to the “one country” bottom line, and clarify the “two systems” boundary to ensure that “one country, two systems” is not deformed and deformed.
The vitality of the law lies in the heart. Since the reunification of Hong Kong, the Standing Committee of the National People ’s Congress has explained the Basic Law of Hong Kong five times in order to make the implementation of the Law advance with the times, so as to properly solve the challenges encountered at that time. In the future, when a new situation arises in Hong Kong society again and there are differences on the application of the relevant provisions of the Basic Law, the NPC interpretation of the law is still one of the possible options.
It is normal for the Basic Law of Hong Kong to encounter problems during its implementation. As a constitutional law, Hong Kong ’s Basic Law has only 160 articles, and its provisions cannot exhaust all the problems that may be encountered in the practice of “one country, two systems”. This preserves the flexible space for the practice of the "one country, two systems" system. It also means establishing and perfecting supporting mechanisms in a timely manner to maintain the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law and promote the continuous improvement of the "one country, two systems" system.
For example, in the spirit of Article 23 of the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall, in accordance with the social development situation, carry out relevant legislation in due course, establish and improve Hong Kong ’s legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security, and safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.
Although the Basic Law of Hong Kong has been promulgated for 30 years, some people still have insufficient understanding of it or have misunderstood it. Constitutional and basic law education should be strengthened in Hong Kong society, especially among young people. Only when the authority of the Constitution and the Basic Law is fully respected and the regulations strictly abided by, can the big ship of "one country, two systems" be able to cut through the waves and achieve stability. (Finish)