Huang Liuquan: 'One country, two systems' has achieved historic achievements in HKSAR

Huang Liuquan, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO), said Tuesday (Sept. 20) that since the 18 National Congress of the CPC, central authorities have been determined to fully and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy in the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, which has achieved historic achievements.

Speaking at a press conference on the launch of a series on China's achievements in the past decade organized by the Publicity department of the Central Committee of the CPC, Huang talked about four achievements of the SARs under the "one country, two systems" principle.

First, the "one country, two systems" principle has opened up a new horizon. President Xi Jinping stressed that the fundamental purpose of "one country, two systems" is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, Huang said. The more firmly the "one country" principle is upheld, the more prominent the advantages of "two systems" will be. He quoted President Xi as saying that there's no reason for the "one country, two systems" principle to be changed and it must be upheld in the long run.

Secondly, the systems under "one country, two systems" have been improved. In response to the once critical situation in HK, the central authorities took stock of the situation and enacted the National Security Law in HK and improved the electoral system of the HKSAR, which has provided institutional protection to the long-term stability and prosperity of the city.

Thirdly, Hong Kong and Macao have maintained a good situation of prosperity and stability under the principle. With the full support of the motherland, HK's economy has flourished and its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center has been consolidated, with its freedom and openness unparalleled worldwide, and its business environment being world-class.

Fourthly, HK and Macao have accelerated their integration into the overall development of the country. The construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which was planned and promoted by General Secretary Xi Jinping himself, has achieved important milestones, Huang pointed out. In the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, HK and Macao have fully played their role as a bridge and window to the Mainland and made irreplaceable contributions.