Photo taken on June 29, 2021 shows China's national flags and flags of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on a street in China's Hong Kong. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
BEIJING – China's State Council Information Office on Monday issued a white paper titled "Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems."
The white paper presented a comprehensive review of the origin and development of democracy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the principles and position of the central government.
The white paper presented a comprehensive review of the origin and development of democracy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the principles and position of the central government
Under British colonial rule, there was no democracy in Hong Kong, according to the white paper.
It pointed out that after resuming the exercise of sovereignty, the central government implemented the basic policy of "one country, two systems" and established democracy in the HKSAR.
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The central government has since provided constant support to the region in developing its democratic system. "The determination, sincerity, and efforts of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese government to this end have remained consistent and are obvious to any objective observer," reads the document.
Facts have proved time and again, the anti-China agitators in Hong Kong and the external groups behind them must be held to account for impeding Hong Kong's progress towards democracy, the white paper noted.
To put an end to the political turmoil in Hong Kong in recent years, a series of major decisions have been taken by the CPC and the central government, according to the white paper.
It noted that measures taken accordingly, including strengthening the central authorities' overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, have restored order to Hong Kong, returning the democratic process to a sound footing.
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"The principle of 'one country, two systems' provides the fundamental guarantee for the development of democracy in HKSAR," the document reads.
"To ensure that 'one country, two systems' will make steady progress, and to further the development of democracy in Hong Kong, we must remain committed to the principle that Hong Kong is governed by Hong Kong patriots," it added.
The white paper hailed the "one country, two systems" policy as a creative innovation of the CPC and the Chinese government that has proved to be a great success in Hong Kong.
"With their political vision, the CPC and the Chinese government are certain of the long-term success of the socialist system on the mainland," reads the document. "They are equally certain of the long-term success of both the capitalist system in Hong Kong and a form of democracy suited to its realities," it added.
Rooted in the motherland, and buttressed by democracy and the rule of law, a free and inclusive Hong Kong will continue to prosper, to enjoy enduring stability and harmony, and to open itself to the world, according to the white paper.
Important Achievement
It added that the "one country, two systems" policy is upheld by the CPC and the Chinese government as a basic long-term policy.
It also pointed out that "one country, two systems" was included as one of the Party's important achievements and a major contributor to its experience when the 19th CPC Central Committee adopted the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century at its sixth plenary session, adding that this is the first time that Hong Kong and Macao affairs, and "one country, two systems" have been listed in such a momentous document.
Developing Democracy
Democracy in Hong Kong should be guided by the central authorities and make steady progress in accordance with the law, according to the white paper.
The constitutional order must be consolidated to safeguard national security and the executive-led system should be implemented to ensure good governance, it added.
"There should be balanced participation in governance, and Hong Kong should remain open and pluralistic," the document reads.
It also stressed efforts to ensure that the rule of law is upheld to protect personal rights and freedoms, and democracy is promoted in many forms.
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"The economy will be boosted for the greater benefit of the people of Hong Kong," the document reads.
The central government will continue to develop and improve democracy in Hong Kong in line with its realities, and work with all social groups, sectors and stakeholders towards the ultimate goal of election by universal suffrage of the chief executive and all members of the Legislative Council, according to the white paper.
Under the framework of "one country, two systems," the prospects are bright for democracy in Hong Kong, it added.
Full Text: Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems