As the core of the Communist Party of China's third generation of central collective leadership, Jiang Zemin led the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups in China to work for a smooth transition and transfer of sovereignty in Hong Kong in accordance with the great idea of "one country, two systems" proposed by Deng Xiaoping, and on July 1, 1997, as the President of the People’s Republic of China, he solemnly announced at the handover ceremony that the Chinese government had resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. In the following five years, he made four visits to Hong Kong and devoted himself to promoting the cause of "one country, two systems". When the Asian financial turmoil hit Hong Kong, Jiang Zemin repeatedly reiterated the Central Government's strong support for Hong Kong, cheering Hong Kong through the difficulties and rebuilding its glory.
"Never be the second Li Hongzhang"
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the international situation changed dramatically. The British government tried to deliberately create obstacles to the transfer of power in Hong Kong. During Jiang Zemin's meeting with Sir Percy Cradock, the British side tried to make the Hong Kong election issue a prerequisite for the resumption of bilateral relations, and Jiang Zemin immediately rebuffed the British side's pressure tactics. He stressed that "before the handover on July 1, 1997, Hong Kong must have a stable transition period. I hope that both sides can reach a consensus on the issue of public opinion in the light of the fundamental interests of Hong Kong."
In 1990, in a letter to Mrs. Thatcher, Jiang Zemin said, "It is our basic state policy to maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and it is in the interest of both sides to do so. Some people have mooted the idea of spending £1 billion to continue to lease Hong Kong after 1997. I think, not to mention 1 billion, even 10 billion, 100 billion, I will not sell Hong Kong. I will never be the second Li Hongzhang!" Hong Kong eventually achieved a smooth transition with the Chinese side's justified struggle and efforts.
Hong Kong shares the motherland's fate
At the start of the reunification, Hong Kong was hit by Asian financial turbulence and endured temporary economic difficulties. Jiang Zemin consistently underlined the Central Government's strong support for Hong Kong on public occasions, cheering Hong Kong through the hardships and regaining its glories.
At a 1998 ceremony commemorating Hong Kong's return to the motherland, Jiang Zemin declared that Hong Kong's fate has always been tied to the motherland's. The Central Government supported the HKSAR Government's countermeasures during the Asian financial crisis, especially its efforts to protect Hong Kong's linked exchange rate system and maintain stability. This is a strong proof that the great motherland is the strong backing of Hong Kong.
Going to the grassroots to listen to people's voices
During his visit to Hong Kong, Jiang Zemin visited the Shatin Hospital and the Newport City Center to talk to the people of Hong Kong. As a national leader, Jiang Zemin waded deep into the Hong Kong community to comprehend the voices of the people and grasp public sentiment, according to some media. These pro-people measures, which were like a spring wind to the people of Hong Kong, completely expressed the Central Government leader's love and care for his compatriots in Hong Kong and proved that he was always thinking of their safety and warmth.
Jiang Zemin, who attended Hong Kong's return to the motherland event on July 1, 1997, wrote "A Better Tomorrow for Hong Kong" in his own handwriting on June 18 to wish for the SAR's continuing prosperity and stability. After 25 years, many facts have shown and will continue to show that this magnificent ideal has become a reality, a powerful interpretation of the "one country, two systems" paradigm.
Twice inscribed for Ta Kung Pao
Based in Hong Kong, Ta Kung Pao has taken up the mission and responsibility of a patriotic and Hong Kong-loving media to protect the interests of national sovereignty and development and to uphold the fine tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong. As a patriotic newspaper with a clear flag on Hong Kong soil, Ta Kung Pao has faithfully recorded history and participated in promoting the development of China's modern history, and has been highly valued and cared for by several generations of leaders. During Jiang Zemin's term of office, he twice wrote inscriptions for Ta Kung Pao.
The media is a social tool, a conscience that unites the consensus of society. The content and meaning of these two inscriptions are a token of care and encouragement for Ta Kung Pao, an earnest wish for the Hong Kong media, and a message of hope for the unity, stability, and prosperity of Hong Kong.
Eight-point proposal for Taiwan to promote ice melting journey
Jiang Zemin has made great contributions to the peaceful reunification of the motherland by making breakthroughs in both theory and practice in promoting the development of cross-strait relations.
In January 1995, Jiang Zemin gave a New Year speech on "Continuing the Struggle for the Completion of the Unification of the Motherland", or the "Eight-point proposal", to develop cross-strait relations and promote the unification of the motherland. After the speech was delivered, it greatly impacted both sides of the Taiwan Strait, Hong Kong and Macao, and overseas.
In practice, Jiang Zemin reiterated on many important occasions his solemn position of "resolutely opposing the forces of 'Taiwan independence' and defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country", stressing that "any external or internal attempt to split China is doomed to fail". The Chinese government's righteous struggle against secession and Taiwan independence under his leadership has dealt a heavy blow to the arrogance of the "Taiwan independence" forces and their supporters.
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