China commemorates 20th anniversary of implementing HKSAR Basic Law

Deputy secretary-general of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Li Fei, who is also chairman of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Basic Law Committee, presides over a high-ranking symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary of implementing the Basic Law of the HKSAR, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 27, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

HKSAR Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying said at the symposium that the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law are the best constitutional arrangements for both the HKSAR and the country.

With the combined advantages of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong can participate in the country's major development strategies including the national 13th Five-Year Plan and the Belt and Road Initiative, while serving as a "super-connector" between the mainland and the rest of the world at the same time, Leung said.

The coordinated and joint development of the HKSAR and the mainland would not only improve their overall competitiveness, but provide the world new experiences of cooperation between regions of different systems, thus enriching "one country, two systems," he said.

Elsie Leung, deputy director of the Commission for the HKSAR Basic Law of the NPC Standing Committee, said the implementation of the Basic Law has helped realize the "one country, two systems" concept, stabilize the relationship between the central government and Hong Kong, and clarify the legal status of the HKSAR.

As the Basic Law was well received by Hong Kong citizens, a seamless and stable transition has been achieved with Hong Kong's capitalist system and life styles unchanged, its legal system improved, judicial independence ensured, democracy developing step by step, and external affairs in sound shape, she said.