General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a work report on behalf of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China at the opening of the 20th National Congress of the CPC on Sunday. The report highlights the work and achievements of the Party and the nation in the past five years, with special mention of the two special administration regions of Hong Kong and Macao on several occasions.
The 20th Party Congress is taking place at this very important historic moment of great changes. The bombing of the Kerch Strait Bridge in Crimea and Russia’s response have caused an escalation in the war between Russia and Ukraine, which continues to impact the global economic and political landscape, seriously threatening the political and economic order of the world. The international situation has undergone irreversible changes. The global leadership of the United States and the West has obviously diminished. International relations have shifted from the era of US dominance to one featuring Sino-US competition, persistent political turmoil and economic uncertainty.
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General Secretary Xi’s work report noted some positive developments in Hong Kong since the insurrection of 2019-20 was quelled, including the proper implementation of the central authorities’ comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong in accordance with the country’s Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law, and the effective implementation of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, both of which have contributed to the city’s shift from chaos to order.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has always been the main gateway between China and the world; its role as the “superconnector” will be further enhanced in the country’s development strategy for the coming years.
Without a doubt, the success of the HKSAR means a lot to China, which explains the central authorities’ commitment to the full and accurate implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong, and the adherence to the policy of “the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong” with a high degree of autonomy, as reiterated by General Secretary Xi in his work report. Clearly, Hong Kong is playing the important role of showcasing “one country, two systems” to the world. The success of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong will set an example for Taiwan. As we all know, the practice of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong has not been smooth all the time. But that is not a bad thing. The obstacles and challenges Hong Kong encountered so far have helped the central authorities gain valuable practical experience as to how national sovereignty, security and development interests are to be safeguarded. The Hong Kong experience will definitely help in designing a suitable version of “one country, two systems” for the return of Taiwan.
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Many in Hong Kong are paying great attention to the 20th Party Congress, and that is not without a good reason. It is generally believed that China will continue to strengthen its role in the international arena after the Party Congress. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has always been the main gateway between China and the world; its role as the “superconnector” will be further enhanced in the country’s development strategy for the coming years.
Hong Kong is entering a new phase of socioeconomic development, moving toward long-term prosperity after restoring order and strengthening governance. That said, we still have challenges to overcome and problems to resolve. As General Secretary Xi’s work report highlights, the central government wants Hong Kong to further develop its economy, improve people’s livelihoods, and resolve deep-rooted socioeconomic problems. The goal is to ensure stable development for Hong Kong in the long run, which can be achieved by integrating Hong Kong’s development into the overall national development and for Hong Kong to play a bigger role in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. But how can this be achieved? Hong Kong society will have to find the answer by seeking guidance from the national development blueprint to be adopted by the 20th CPC National Congress and by making good use of the community’s collective wisdom.
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.