During the early 1980s, many Hong Kong residents were worried about the city’s return to China. In 1984, Mr Deng Xiaoping created the “one country, two systems” concept, which was an experiment and unprecedented concept for the smooth and peaceful reunification of Hong Kong with the Chinese mainland.
This calmed the situation, but this concept had never been done anywhere else in the world. There was no template for it. It was an experiment that Hong Kong has lived with for 25 years. The biggest mistake that was made was the lack of the introduction of National Education, and instead, Liberal Studies was introduced in schools. The citizens of course were very confused after July 1, 1997, with many failing to identify with their nationality. Some said they were not Chinese but “Hong Kongese”; others said they were British; and others claimed they were American.
With 25 years of implementation, the essence of “one country, two systems” remains unchanged, but “one country, two systems” has continued to evolve, enhance and enrich over the years, catering to the actual needs and situation of Hong Kong. I believe that “one country, two systems” isn’t just a “pre-set” principle, it is a “living” principle that provides the best foundation for Hong Kong as an energetic and bustling international city.
Over the years, Hong Kong has faced different kinds of challenges and crises. Yet “one country, two systems” has provided us the strongest foundation and backup from the mainland, helping us to counteract and overcome negative impacts that we encountered as an open economy. The biggest challenge was the 2019 protest. During that time, the West was hoping Beijing would step in and quell the turmoil, but instead, Beijing drafted the National Security Law for Hong Kong, which immediately brought stability back to Hong Kong.
Whenever overseas critics attack “one country, two systems”, I explain to them that the implementation of “one country, two systems” is absolutely essential and successful in Hong Kong. In addition to the rule of law, freedom and human rights, all these core values cherished by local society can prevail and are still enjoyed by the public of Hong Kong
With the legislation and implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong, some overseas media outlets and foreign investors in Hong Kong expressed their concerns. They feared that Hong Kong’s stability, prosperity and uniqueness would fade away. Yet since its implementation, it has been proved that the National Security Law has not hampered the rights and freedom of citizens; instead, it has provided the best protection to residents by restoring peace, order and security to Hong Kong. The security law that was instituted in Hong Kong was a lot less draconian than those of most countries around the world. Out of 200 countries in the world, 120 have a security law.
As I have shared with the media on numerous occasions, many of my foreign friends regained their confidence and trust in the city with the return of peace and order.
Hong Kong has always been an international financial center and trusted in the world because of our common law system and independent judiciary, while the Chinese mainland practices the civil law system. This has been very important to create the backbone of “one country, two systems”.
Beijing realized that one of the major problems with “one country, two systems” was that there was a division in Hong Kong’s society between the “pan-democrats” and the traditional pro-establishment blocs. The Legislative Council, which is an engine that drives the economy, was stuck. Bills that should have been passed in days or weeks were delayed by months and in some cases up to a year because of filibustering. Beijing realized that this was the major flaw in the system and caused the quality of the lives of the ordinary residents to move very slowly. This caused a lot of unhappiness within the society and created a wrong belief that “two systems” comes first and “one country” comes second. Beijing then decided that Hong Kong needed a change. It decided to fully enforce the principle of “patriots administrating Hong Kong”.
President Xi Jinping has explicitly indicated that to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”, we must adhere to the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. Once again, some overseas media outlets slandered Hong Kong, saying that this principle would further jeopardize “one country, two systems”. Nevertheless, this principle is fundamental to national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Only through “patriots administering Hong Kong” can the central authorities’ overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong be effectively implemented. Also, the constitutional order established by the country’s Constitution and the Basic Law can be effectively safeguarded, and Hong Kong’s various deep-seated problems be effectively resolved. The long-term stability and safety of Hong Kong can finally be achieved.
This is the reason why I repeatedly emphasize to overseas media that China needs a strong international Hong Kong. There is no doubt China will continue to help strengthen and uphold “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong since this is the essence to keep Hong Kong as the super-connector for “the West to the East” and “the East to the West”. Whenever overseas critics attack “one country, two systems”, I explain to them that the implementation of “one country, two systems” is absolutely essential and successful in Hong Kong. In addition to the rule of law, freedom and human rights, all these core values cherished by local society can prevail and are still enjoyed by the public of Hong Kong. This has been achieved in the 25 years since the handover.
What’s more, the chief executive-designate, Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, has also committed in his election manifesto that he will capitalize on Hong Kong’s strong foundation of the rule of law and safeguard judicial independence. With my previous working experience with John, he is a man of his word, and his proposed results-oriented governing philosophy has conveyed a strong message to Hong Kong residents: He will do his utmost to bring Hong Kong back on track. Just look at his proposal for adding three new deputy secretaries, particular the deputy secretary for justice. He says he wants the secretary for justice and the deputy to go out to explain in full the legal system, the rule of law and the independent judiciary in Hong Kong. He wants to let people know the true picture of Hong Kong, particularly when we have been badmouthed by some politicians for political reasons, criticizing unfairly the system that is being practiced in Hong Kong. Frankly speaking, this is of paramount importance to Hong Kong, not just for upholding “one country, two systems”, but to let the world know that “one country, two systems” is genuinely implemented in Hong Kong. This is the only way to restore Hong Kong’s image and reputation in the international world.
Looking forward, with further reform and opening-up of the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong’s advantages will be enhanced with the successful implementation of “one country, two systems”. Hong Kong will further integrate into China’s national development. In other words, Hong Kong as a city operating under “one country, two systems” will be able to put our uniqueness into full play by creating a special impact in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in the legal, innovative technology and financial sectors. With all the years I have spent in Hong Kong, and understanding this place and its people, I am sure Hong Kong will definitely find its own way to work together with the other cities in the GBA with all the opportunities lying ahead.
Just as Mr Tung Chee-hwa said in the past, “The better the country is, the greater Hong Kong is.” I would say this line still applies perfectly today: “The stronger the country is, the more the opportunities Hong Kong can enjoy.” Hong Kong will always continue to be prosperous in the future, at least for the next 25 years.
I hope the younger generation and talent around the world can learn from my experience as their reference. Hong Kong has always been a place full of opportunities. I trust Hong Kong and I trust China since I have experienced and know this city and this country after spending most of my life here. In the past, people in the East looked for opportunity in the West. But times have changed and so has our world. China is the future. Hong Kong is a city of many opportunities. This is the combination of 25 years under “one country, two systems”. Now that Hong Kong has learned from its strengths and weaknesses in the past 25 years, I feel very strongly that the next 25 years, along with the growth of the mainland, will make Hong Kong one of the strongest and most important cities in the world.
The author, a Hong Kong resident for over 50 years and a holder of Chinese nationality since 2008, is chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group. He has been very involved in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government services.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.