On March 23, Commissioner Cui Jianchun published a signed article in the South China Morning Post titled "As China Charts a New Course, Hong Kong Writes Its Next Chapter." In the article, he elaborated on the national two sessions from three perspectives—China's development, China's diplomacy, and the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong. He highlighted the grand blueprint for high-quality national development, the country's principled approach to foreign affairs, and the central government's strategic support for Hong Kong to better integrate into and contribute to the overall national development. The full text of the article is as follows.

As China charts a new course, Hong Kong writes its next chapter

With the conclusion of China’s “two sessions”, the approval of the 2026 government work report and 15th five-year plan – together with the foreign minister’s press conference – has sent a clear signal of China pursuing steady and quality-driven growth while projecting a firm and timely voice on the world stage.

In the work report, Premier Li Qiang noted that China’s gross domestic product grew by 5 per cent last year, surpassing 140 trillion yuan (US$20.3 trillion). This year’s growth target has been set in the range of 4.5-5 per cent. Li’s emphasis that we will “strive for better results in practice” is to align with the goal of doubling the 2020 per capita GDP and realising the medium- to long-term economic potential.

The shift to a target range reflects strategic flexibility – a pragmatic approach that balances ambition with stability. On one hand, it allows room for structural adjustments, risk prevention and reforms. On the other, the goal is firmly within China’s growth potential and among the highest of the major economies, a positive signal for the global economy.

What will China do in the next five years, and how? The five-year plan provides clear answers.

On innovation: research and development spending is set to grow by over 7 per cent annually, with the digital economy’s core industries targeted to make up 12.5 per cent of GDP. On the environment: a 17 per cent cut in carbon emissions per unit of GDP, backed by a new national low-carbon transition fund. On food and energy security: grain production capacity is set to stabilise at around 725 million tonnes, and energy production capacity at 5.8 billion tonnes of standard coal. And on people’s well-being: the goal is to raise average education levels for the working-age population to 11.7 years, and life expectancy to 80.

Every aspect of the plan reflects a people-centred philosophy and a firm commitment to high-quality growth.

At a press conference attended by Chinese and international journalists, Foreign Minister Wang Yi answered 21 questions, offering a comprehensive explanation of China’s foreign policy and international relations. With a firm stance, clear logic and practical proposals, he brought a much-needed sense of certainty to a world marked by turbulence and change, underscoring China’s role as a responsible major country.

Stability was a theme in his answers. On relations with neighbours: “China is always an anchor of stability for regional security.” On China-US relations: “Make 2026 a landmark year of sound, steady and sustainable development of China-US relations.” And on the safety of Chinese overseas: “While you may be facing a world of chaos and turbulence, you have behind you a motherland as firm as a rock.” These words vividly capture China’s composure and resilience in a complex, changing international landscape.

On regional conflicts and global security challenges, Wang made it clear: “Might does not make right.” He called for resolving disputes through political means, standing firmly by the purpose of the UN Charter and basic norms of international law.

In response to the outdated mentality of major-power rivalry and bloc confrontation, China laid out a different vision: building an equal and orderly multipolar world. The principle is simple – countries, regardless of size, strength or wealth, are equal. And major countries, in particular, should set an example: follow the rules, keep their word and uphold the rule of law.

On the sluggish global recovery and rising protectionism, China’s answer is openness. The goal is a globalisation both universally beneficial and inclusive. China is not only the world’s factory but also stepping up as the world’s market.

This year’s government work report emphasised the need to support Hong Kong in better integrating into and contributing to the country’s development, and to promote Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.

The five-year plan backs that up with a dedicated chapter on Hong Kong and Macau. This includes reaffirming support for Hong Kong to build 10 centres (of international finance; shipping; trade; international asset and wealth management; international risk management; high value-added supply chain services; international innovation and technology; international legal and dispute resolution services; regional intellectual property trading; and cultural exchanges), two hubs (for international aviation and offshore yuan business), a commodity trading ecosystem, and to accelerate the Northern Metropolis project. The plan underscores the central government’s confidence in and expectations for Hong Kong’s continued success.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has made it clear: Hong Kong’s government will proactively align with the country’s 15th five-year plan by racing to complete its very first five-year plan within the year. It signals a new chapter for Hong Kong: thinking ahead and stepping up.

2026 also marks a big year for China on the global stage, as it hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum for the third time, this November in Shenzhen. But the Apec events will spread across the Greater Bay Area, including the finance ministers’ meeting in Hong Kong in October.

This offers the Greater Bay Area a prime opportunity to deepen global ties. And Hong Kong is uniquely positioned – backed by the motherland and connected to the world – to play a much bigger role in China’s push for high-standard opening up.

As the nation charts its new course, Hong Kong writes its next chapter. We, the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, will continue to work hand in hand with all sectors of Hong Kong – supporting the city in integrating into and contributing to national development, promoting its long-term prosperity and stability, and ensuring the sustained success of “one country, two systems”.