A spokesperson for the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said today that the Hong Kong community is generally concerned about the issue of "improving the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system" and was included on the agenda of the Fourth Session of the 13th National People's Congress.
After Vice Chairman Wang Chen gave an explanation on the decision (draft), all sectors of the Hong Kong society voiced their support. It is generally believed that this is an institutional arrangement to ensure the implementation of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" and to safeguard national sovereignty, security, development interests and Hong Kong. A necessary move for long-term prosperity and stability is of great significance and far-reaching impact.
As the highest organ of state power, the National People's Congress deliberated important issues related to Hong Kong for two consecutive years, which fully demonstrated the central government's firm determination and historical responsibility to promote the practice of "one country, two systems" for stability and long-term development.
The spokesperson pointed out that President Xi Jinping clearly put forward the requirement of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" when listening to Chief Executive Carrie Lam at the beginning of the year. This is the most profound and concise summary of the connotation and essence of "one country, two systems".
Over the past few days, Hong Kong society has aroused strong attention and in-depth discussions, and gradually formed such a consensus: "Patriots ruling Hong Kong" is the core essence of "One country, two systems" and the minimum standard for "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
In any country, whether it is central or local governance power, it must always be in the hands of patriots, so that national sovereignty, security, and development interests will not be threatened. This is a universal axiom.
Only true patriots will cherish the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, will be able to fully and accurately understand the principle of "one country, two systems", and be able to adhere to the bottom line of the principle of "one country, two systems" so as to ensure that the "one country, two systems" is not deformed or out of shape.
As an important part of the political system of the SAR, the electoral system must conform to the principle of "one country, two systems" and must provide a solid guarantee for the comprehensive implementation, manifestation and implementation of the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong".
The spokesperson pointed out that in recent years, some anti-China and local radical separatists, supported and instigated by anti-China forces in the United States and the West, have used loopholes in the current electoral system to enter the governance structure of the Special Administrative Region, unscrupulously carried out anti-China and Hong Kong activities, and spread "Hong Kong". "Independence" advocates resisting central governance, obstructing the administration of the SAR government, and even collaborating with external hostile forces in an attempt to seize governance power by manipulating elections.
These actions and activities have severely damaged Hong Kong’s constitutional order and the rule of law, seriously challenged the authority of the Constitution, Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the National Security Law, severely endangered national sovereignty, security, and development interests, severely undermined the overall stability of Hong Kong’s society, and seriously harmed the well-being of Hong Kong’s people. It shows that there are obvious loopholes and deficiencies in the current electoral system, and resolute measures must be taken to resolve them.
It is an urgent move to safeguard the security of the "one country, two systems" system and to ensure that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is governed by law and effectively governs the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in order to ensure that "patriots govern Hong Kong" in institutional arrangements.
The spokesman said that the use of the "one country, two systems" principle to resolve the issue of Hong Kong's return is a great initiative of the Chinese Communist Party. This basic national policy is in line with the overall interests of the country and the fundamental well-being of Hong Kong compatriots.
The central government bears the greatest responsibility for the comprehensive and accurate implementation of "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law, and it bears the greatest responsibility for maintaining the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law.
The political system is the central authority. In the face of loopholes and risks in the electoral system of special administrative regions, the central government has its power and responsibility to modify and improve relevant systems at the constitutional level. It has an unquestionable and undeniable authority.
At the same time, the improvement of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's electoral system is a political issue of high concern in Hong Kong society. The central authorities are very cautious about this. The relevant departments have and will continue to extensively listen to and absorb the opinions of all sectors of Hong Kong society in a variety of ways.
The National People’s Congress and its Standing Committee have improved the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system at the constitutional level in a step-by-step approach of "decisions + amendments to the law," which fully complies with the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the Basic Law, and fully takes into account the actual needs and specifics of Hong Kong. The situation has a solid foundation of the rule of law, political foundation, and public opinion.
In conclusion, the spokesperson emphasized that "love is for the far-reaching". Improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and ensuring that "patriots govern Hong Kong" is to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and to ensure the stability and long-term development of "One Country, Two Systems". The inevitable requirement is the only way for Hong Kong society to stop political disputes at an early date, seek development without distraction, and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
Doing this work well will benefit the present and the long-term.