In one aspect, for sure, Hong Kong has been drawing the world’s attention, since its return to China in 1997 as a special administrative region serves as a show window to demonstrate how feasible the “one country, two systems” framework can be when it is implemented. More people than just political scientists are curious to see if the socialist and capitalist systems can get along well with one another. Before the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China closed recently, participants voted to pass a resolution to write “one country, two systems” into the Party’s Constitution. It would be utterly wrong if the move is taken as something mundane or trivial. It is anything but.
The “performance” and fate of Hong Kong have now been intertwined to that of the Chinese mainland to a level that has never been seen before. “One country, two systems” is being implemented in Hong Kong and Macao. Now that it has been incorporated into the Party’s Constitution, it implies that the framework has been formally elevated to the national level. Moreover, being part of the Party’s Constitution, it has become one of the core elements in the country’s political ideology. Needless to say, the Party will leave little room for “one country, two systems” to fail. A party like the Communist Party of China will not allow something written into its Constitution to fail, anyway.
The Party’s Constitution is a creedal document, stipulating the rights and obligations of CPC members, as well as the organizational structure of the Party. Only the National Congress has the power to amend it. Since the founding of the CPC in 1921, it has been formulated and revised only 20 times. In his work report to the 20th National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping summarized the historic achievements of “one country, two systems” as it is applied in Hong Kong. According to Xi, the “one country, two systems” framework has not only provided an action guide for the administering of the HKSAR, but also enriched the Party’s experience of governance. The inclusion of “one country, two systems” into the Party’s Constitution is of extraordinary significance, and it has to be understood that way. Obviously, it means that the system will continue to be a key element of the country’s future development.
When more and more residents see the changes and get benefits for themselves, they will be sincerely be won over to “one country, two systems”
Facts speak louder than words. It has always been the case. Looking back at Hong Kong’s experience since its return to the motherland, it can be seen that “one country, two systems” is a framework that has withstood test after test, has strong vitality and great advantages. A few years ago, anti-China activities in Hong Kong were rampant, unsettling social stability and people’s daily lives. With full support of the central government, the HKSAR government put an end to violence and chaos and restored law and order. Both the National Security Law for Hong Kong and an improved electoral system have been implemented. As a result, the general public can enjoy stability and good-quality lives again.
The “one country, two systems” approach of peacefully resolving issues left over from history through diplomatic negotiations is an innovation in itself. What it has demonstrated to the world is that fighting or bloodshed is not a necessary move to solve problems or settle disputes. Hong Kong is a living example that shows the world that “one country, two systems” is definitely feasible. Not only has the Chinese mainland built itself into a modern socialist power, but Hong Kong has also maintained its brilliance under its capitalist system to the admiration of many. From a macro perspective, “one country, two systems” can work as a valid reference for the international community to solve similar problems and disputes. It can be applied way beyond the borders of Hong Kong.
The 20th National Congress documents and study guides were released in Beijing not long ago. It includes an article by Xia Baolong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council. Titled “The Good Framework of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ Must Be Upheld for a Long Time”, Xia’s article serves as an authoritative interpretation on the parts about Hong Kong in General Secretary Xi’s work report to the 20th National Congress. In that sense, the article must be studied carefully as it focuses on what concerns Hong Kong.
According to Xia, the implementation of “one country, two systems” is an important condition and strategic consideration for Hong Kong to integrate into the overall development of the nation. The article encourages Hong Kong to make the best use of its advantages of enjoying the motherland’s full backing while staying connected with the world. Also, Hong Kong is to continue to maintain the common law system. The way forward for Hong Kong is bright under “one country, two systems”. If Hong Kong put to full use its advantages and uniqueness, not only can the city maintain long-term prosperity and stability, but also contribute to the realization of the country’s second centennial goal.
Now that “one country, two systems” has passed numerous tests with flying colors and has been proved to be working and effective, we must continue to implement this framework to the benefits of Hong Kong. History has proved that “one country, two systems” can help maintain Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. If Hong Kong residents scrutinize the history since the 1997 handover, they will be able to see for themselves how much the city owes its current stability to the “one country, two systems” framework.
It certainly is something positive that the 20th National Congress decided to include “one country, two systems” in the Party’s Constitution. With the framework elevated to the level of a long-term national strategy, Hong Kong’s capitalist system, common law system and way of life will stay for the foreseeable future. As “one country, two systems” has now taken root in Hong Kong, it is something that has to do with everyone in Hong Kong.
It is a requirement of the 20th National Congress report that Hong Kong should improve people’s livelihoods by solving deep-rooted socioeconomic problems. This is a very sensible requirement. The HKSAR government is expected to take residents’ expectation of a better life as the biggest pursuit of governance. When more and more residents see the changes and get benefits for themselves, they will be sincerely be won over to “one country, two systems”.
The author, a radiologist, is a co-founder of the Hong Kong Coalition and a council member of the Chinese Young Entrepreneurs Association.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.