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Hong Kong at 25
OpinionComment
Liu Guangyuan
Liu Guangyuan

Opinion | Hong Kong has a sound foundation for a bright future under ‘one country, two systems’

  • President Xi Jinping has emphasised that the central government fully supports Hong Kong in keeping its unique status and strengths
  • A Hong Kong that has emerged stronger from hardships must continue to grow and contribute to the country’s opening up. Diplomacy can play a part in this

Reading Time:4 minutes
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President Xi Jinping speaks at a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the new Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, in Hong Kong on July 1. Photo: Felix Wong
Liu Guangyuan
On the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, President Xi Jinping visited Hong Kong and delivered an important speech on July 1, in which he reviewed the successful experience of “one country, two systems” thus far, and expressed hopes for the new Special Administrative Region (SAR) government and all social sectors in Hong Kong.
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With deep concern for compatriots in Hong Kong, President Xi laid down fundamental guidelines on Hong Kong’s future development and a new chapter of one country, two systems.

First, he reaffirmed commitment to one country, two systems. Thanks to the efforts of both the central government and Hong Kong society, the implementation of one country, two systems has been a globally recognised success overall.

President Xi pointed out the principal tenet of one country, two systems: the more firmly the principle of one country is adhered to, the more advantageous two systems will be in practice.

He also said: “There is no reason to change such a good system. And it must be adhered to in the long run!” These words point to bright prospects for one country, two systems and boosted the confidence of Hong Kong society and the international community.
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Second, President Xi charted the course for Hong Kong’s lasting stability and sound governance. Over the past 25 years, the constitutional order of the SAR, which is based on China’s Constitution and the Basic Law of the SAR, has functioned smoothly.

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