Principles for HK's prosperity, stability
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-02-20 07:47

Leading Chinese newspaper, the People's Daily, publishes a commentary on Friday, pointing out the principle of "one country, two systems" is the fundamental guarantee of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.

In June 1984, late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping made famous remarks on the concept of "one country, two systems," the commentary says, noting it is of great significance to review Deng's remarks before the 14th anniversary of the promulgation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Basic Law.

"One country, two systems" means that within the People's Republic of China (PRC), the main body of the nation will maintain the socialist system, while Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan continue under the capitalist system, and the aim is to fulfill peaceful reunification and maintain stability and prosperity in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, Deng is quoted by the commentary as saying.

The premise of the principle is "one country," which refers to the PRC, says the commentary, quoting Deng as saying "nothing can be discussed without trust in the PRC and the Chinese government."

The commentary demands respect for the PRC's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the maintenance of China's unity and territorial integrity, as well as acknowledgment of socialism as the country's main body.

The alteration of socialism with Chinese characteristics led by the Communist Party of China will "end Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," Deng is quoted.

Deng also put forward the concept of "Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong," saying patriots, the main part of Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong, should respect the nation and sincerely uphold the country's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and should not damage Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, says the commentary.

The chief executive, major officials as well as members of the Executive Council, Legislative Council and all levels of courts must take oaths to uphold the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the commentary quotes the Basic Law as saying.

Any person governing Hong Kong or wishing to govern Hong Kong should adhere to those regulations, the commentary says.

The full understanding and implementation of "one country, two systems" means a combination of "one country" and "two systems," of "loving China" and "loving Hong Kong," of Hong Kong's high-degree autonomy and safeguarding of national sovereignty and of Hong Kong's capitalism and the mainland's socialism, says the commentary.

Mentioning the central government's adherence to the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law since 1997, the commentary says with support from the central government and the mainland, Hong Kong conquered challenges from Asian financial crises.

"One country, two systems" has strong vitality, and the review of Deng's remarks 20 years ago shows the central government's strong resolution to implementing the principle of "one country, two systems," says the commentary.

Despite risks and challenges in the future, Hong Kong will keeplong-term prosperity and stability with the backing of the socialist motherland and adherence to the principle of "one country, two systems," says the commentary.

Close

Today's Top News     Top China News
WHO: No need to panic over cats catching H5N1 virus         Why it's vital to recall what Deng said about HK         China denies donation to US Senator Kerry         FAO: China's bird flu prevention 'professional'         AIDS prevention committee in the making         Spam e-mail plays on men's little worries	Falun Gong practitioners jailed for libeling gov't       FAO: China's bird flu prevention 'professional'       Principles for HK's prosperity, stability       Shenzhen, HK to share transport cards       Why it's vital to recall what Deng said about HK       Power shortages may ease