Govt to promote understanding of ties between Party, HK

Hong Kong saw a positive change in social environment in the past year, setting a good stage for itself to learn and understand more about the Communist Party of China, the nation's ruling party, Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said on Thursday.

At a question-and-answer session at the Legislative Council, she also revealed that the government would soon hold large exhibitions with central departments to introduce the Party's ties with Hong Kong.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC. Various activities were held in the city to mark the occasion. Hong Kong government officials took advantage of the events to explain the CPC's relationship with "one country, two systems" and status as the ruling party under the nation's Constitution, said the city leader.

The authorities will continue to make good use of such ideal atmosphere to deepen national awareness among local residents, especially the young people, as well as their understanding of the nation and the CPC's relationship with Hong Kong, she said.

Lam also said education on national identity and development has been a missing piece since the city's return to the motherland. Hong Kong needs to double down its efforts to catch up in this regard, she stressed.

But education takes time and the government will proactively improve the education system, in the hope of fostering national identity, international vision and commitment to the city among the youngsters, she said.

With the practice of "one country, two systems" back on track, the government can now focus on a long-term planning as the city is politically secured and has no worries of being overthrown, she said.