New Starting Point of “One Country, Two Systems” and

New Chapter for Hong Kong with Diplomatic Support

 Speech by Commissioner Liu Guangyuan at

International Symposium on Achievements and Prospects of “One Country, Two Systems”

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

June 16, 2022

The Honorable Chief Executive Carrie Lam,

The Honorable Chief Executive-elect John Lee,

Chairman Mao Chaofeng,

Distinguished guests,

Friends,

In just half a month, we will commemorate the historic moment of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland. Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong has traveled an extraordinary journey and made remarkable achievements. With a fresh look of great confidence, openness, inclusiveness and vitality, Hong Kong has proven to the world that “one country, two systems” is feasible,workable and popular.

First, under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong develops quality democracy. During British rule period, there was no democracy in Hong Kong and local Chinese were long denied participation in Hong Kong’s governance. Hong Kong ended that history in 1997. Under the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law, Hong Kong has gradually developed democracy in line with its reality. Hong Kong citizens have more channels for political participation, and their freedoms are guaranteed by law.

Faced with regressive and dangerous moves of anti-China forces in and outside Hong Kong to lead Hong Kong’s democracy to a dead-end, the central government took the decisive actions to adopt the National Security Law, improve Hong Kong’s electoral system and fully implement the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. These measures helped Hong Kong to get rid of the quagmire of “making everything political”, wake up from the myth of Western-style democracy, and embark on a new journey of quality democracy and substantive democracy.

Second, under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys a solid development foundation. Over the past 25 years, the progress of the motherland has injected strong impetus into Hong Kong. When integrating into the overall national development, Hong Kong has given full play to the benefits of the “two systems” and become a “super connector” between the mainland and the wider world. 

Hong Kong maintains a solid position as a global financial, shipping and trading center. It is the world’s third largest financial hub, the sixth largest trading entity, the fourth largest ship registry, and the world’s largest RMB offshore center. It is also a key platform for Belt and Road cooperation. What’s more, Hong Kong has long been recognized as the most free, open and competitive economy, and ranks among the top in terms of the business environment and rule of law. 

Last year, the number of overseas and mainland companies in Hong Kong rose to more than 9,000, a record high. The international business community remains optimistic about the prospect of Hong Kong given the strong backing from the motherland, and the “Pearl of the Orient” is shining ever more brightly.

Third, under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong enjoys huge benefits from openness and inclusiveness. As a global metropolis, Hong Kong’s foreign exchanges have been more active and its global influence is growing.

Since 1997, the number of foreign consular missions in Hong Kong has increased from 88 to 119, inter-governmental organizations that Hong Kong joined reached 97, and Hong Kong’s overseas economic and trade offices grew to 14. Furthermore, Hong Kong has signed more than 600 bilateral agreements with foreign countries and has become a home to over 20 international legal agencies. A growing number of Hong Kong young talents have opportunities to work in international organizations with the strong support of the central government.

More than 270 Chinese embassies and consulates all over the world are providing around-the-clock consular services to Hong Kong compatriots. Hong Kong people feel more secure and more confident when they are abroad because they know that the motherland will always have them back.

Distinguished guests, friends,

Hong Kong has transformed from chaos to stability, and is at a critical stage for greater prosperity and effective governance. With the strong support of the central government as well as the joint efforts of the HKSAR government and all sectors of Hong Kong society, Hong Kong will certainly become a bright pearl with more thriving economy, more harmonious environment, higher quality democracy, better rule of law and happier life.

Our confidence is from the irresistible historical trend of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 

Today’s China is on a magnificent journey towards the great renewal of the Chinese nation, and that is the greatest strength for Hong Kong’s development.

China is promoting high-level opening up and is releasing dividends to the world with its mega market, a stable and complete set of industrial chain and a more favorable business environment, which will inject huge energy into Hong Kong. The 14th five-year Plan, the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Bay Area will also provide a broad space for Hong Kong’s development. 

For business friends all over the world, choosing Hong Kong is choosing opportunities; investing in Hong Kong is investing in the future!

Our confidence is from the strong determination of the central government to fully and faithfully implement “one country, two systems”. 

The Communist Party of China is the founder, leader, follower and defender of “one country, two systems”. No one cherishes the original aspiration of “one country, two systems” more deeply than the Communist Party of China. 

When President Xi Jinping met with Chief Executive-elect John Lee days ago, he once again emphasized that the central government’s resolve to fully and faithfully implement the principle of “one country, two systems” has never wavered, and will remain unwavering. President Xi’s words are of great significance for Hong Kong to move forward on the right track.

The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government have the confidence, wisdom and ability to run well affairs of both the mainland with the socialist system and Hong Kong with the capitalist system.

Our confidence is from the unity of Hong Kong people. 

In today’s Hong Kong, a consensus that “Hong Kong is secure only when the country is secure” is building up, unity among citizens is growing, and people all cherish the current stability and are seeking greater progress.

The principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” has been implemented, and the political pattern of broad and balanced participation by all sectors of Hong Kong society has been established, marking a new chapter of effective governance in Hong Kong. We welcome the international community and foreign friends in the city to work together for a better Hong Kong.

The Commissioner’s Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR and the HKSAR Government were established on the same day and have been growing together.

Standing at a new starting point, our Commissioner’s Office will continue to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests to create a sound external environment for Hong Kong’s development; we will build more platforms for Hong Kong’s external exchanges and cooperation by using diplomatic resources in the spirit of “benefiting Hong Kong through diplomacy”; we will act in the principle of putting people first and safeguard the safety and lawful rights and interests of overseas Hong Kong compatriots. 

Going forward, we will work closely with the HKSAR to write a new splendid chapter in the practice of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong.

Thank you all!