Editor’s note: This is the fifth part of a series on the historical document the CPC passed in the sixth plenary session of its 19th Central Committee.
The historical resolution the Communist Party of China adopted recently sets aside a fair number of passages on discussing the implementation of “one country, two systems”, particularly on the measures to help Hong Kong restore social stability and normal order. That the practice of “one country, two systems” has been included in the Party’s historical resolution as part of its major achievements over the past century attests to its relevance and significance to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has put forward the goal of ensuring the success of both the socialist Chinese mainland and the capitalist Hong Kong. In the report to the 19th National Congress of the CPC, Xi emphasizes that “maintaining lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao and achieving China’s full reunification are essential to realizing national rejuvenation”. The 19th National Congress established 14 fundamental strategies for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. The 19th Central Committee of the CPC enumerated, in its fourth plenary session, 13 significant strengths of China’s political system and governance model. “Upholding the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ and promote the peaceful reunification of China” are included in both lists. All of these reflect the central authorities’ confidence in and expectation of Hong Kong’s participation in the process of national rejuvenation.
The latest resolution notes that “after their return to the motherland, Hong Kong and Macao were reincorporated into the national governance system and embarked on a broad path of complementarity and common development with other parts of the country”. Hong Kong compatriots should now realize that their motherland has embarked on a journey to modernization. Hong Kong should not be absent from the process of national rejuvenation; rather it should strive to make a dent. To this end, the resolution has offered three guidelines for Hong Kong.
First and foremost, Hong Kong must uphold the “one country, two systems” principle and keep it on track. Having practiced “one country, two systems” for nearly a quarter-century, we have gained greater confidence in this institution. Hong Kong should, as the resolution urges, uphold and improve the “one country, two systems” framework, uphold the constitutional order as stipulated in the nation’s Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, respect the central government’s overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong, uphold law-based governance and the precept of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintain lasting prosperity and stability of the region. It is both a responsibility and a contribution to national governance for Hong Kong to uphold “one country, two systems”.
Second, Hong Kong should have an accurate understanding of the CPC and recognize the country’s chosen path for development. One cannot fully understand China without having a good knowledge of the CPC. Without the CPC, China would have plunged deeper into the abyss of agony and the country would have been forced to accept more unequal treaties and cede more territories than Hong Kong and Macao. Without the CPC, it would be extremely difficult for the country of 1.4 billion people to achieve modernization in an era characterized by fierce global competition. The resolution explains clearly what the CPC is and what it wants to achieve, matters that Hong Kong compatriots should reflect on. The resolution is a manifesto declaring that China has already set off for its second centennial goal, and that Hong Kong must be in the ranks.
Third, Hong Kong should contribute to national rejuvenation. Now that the goal is set, the next step is to mobilize all available resources and energy. Hong Kong has made significant contributions to the country’s reform and opening-up process over the years. With the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area project and Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong now has more room to maneuver in integrating its own development with the national development strategy. Hong Kong can make a greater contribution to the country for sure by acting in the way the masters of the nation should, putting into full play the unique advantages afforded by “one country, two systems”, and leveraging its competitive edges to meet the needs of the country.
The world is undergoing a paradigm shift in the balance of global power at a time when China is about to achieve national rejuvenation. Hong Kong’s future lies with a strong and successful motherland.
The author is a veteran current affairs commentator.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.