March 14, 2023
BEIJING – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the nation’s top legislature felt heartened as President Xi Jinping reaffirmed that the special administrative region’s long-term prosperity and stability is indispensable to the country’s high-quality development and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
During the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) on Monday, President Xi said that the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions is part and parcel of the building of a strong China. He also pledged to solidify efforts in advancing the practice of “one country, two systems” and the cause of national reunification.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday said he was most encouraged by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech, stressing that as an inalienable part of China, Hong Kong SAR has always been a witness to, participant in and contributor to the concerted efforts of advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation
He also stressed the need to fully, faithfully and resolutely uphold the “one country, two systems” principle, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong”, “Macao people administering Macao” and a high degree of autonomy; remain committed to governing Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law; and support the special administrative regions in developing their economies, improving people’s livelihoods, and better integrating into national development.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Monday said he was most encouraged by Xi’s speech, stressing that as an inalienable part of China, Hong Kong SAR has always been a witness to, participant in and contributor to the concerted efforts of advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
In a statement issued following the closing of the NPC, Lee said that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi at its core, had been leading the country in making world-renowned achievements.
“The victorious conclusion of this year’s ‘two sessions’ manifests the people’s aspirations and forges consensus for the new era, boosts the confidence and motivation in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, embarking on a new journey, and advancing the development of the CPC and the country,” Lee said.
Lee vowed that the HKSAR will, under the leadership and support of the central government, resolutely ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems” and leverage its strengths to meet the needs of the country.
“The HKSAR will also play a more extensive and effective role as a participant and contributor in building a modern socialist country and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, and will actively dovetail with national strategies and more proactively integrate into the overall development of the country, in order to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Lee said.
After the closing meeting of the NPC, Starry Lee Wai-king, who was elected as the city’s sole delegate to the NPC Standing Committee on Saturday, said that Xi’s emphasis on the indispensable connection between the practice of the “one country, two systems” principle and building a stronger country is an encouragement and confidence booster to Hong Kong people. Lee said at an online media briefing that Hong Kong, which is positioned as an innovation center in the national strategies, has the capacity to align itself with the country’s high-quality development, in which the science and technology development is highlighted.
The city’s role as a bridgehead for the Chinese mainland companies’ global expansion, along with its robust financial industry and common law legal system, can also be further enhanced, Lee added.
Speaking at the same event, Stanley Ng Chau-pei, a Hong Kong deputy to the 14th NPC, called Xi’s reiteration of long-term adherance to the “one country, two systems” principle a morale booster to Hong Kong society, and also a clear message to the world that Hong Kong will continue to maintain its unique advantages.
Another Hong Kong deputy, Brave Chan Yung, said Xi has once again expressed his extensive care for Hong Kong, following the similar message he conveyed in his landmark speech on July 1 and his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October.
Chan said Xi’s remarks, which showed the close relations between the Hong Kong SAR and the country, have once again bolstered the confidence of the Hong Kong community.