The central government’s overall jurisdiction and a high degree of autonomy in the special administrative regions should be ensured, according to Commissioner Liu Xianfa yesterday.
The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in Macao Special Administrative Region held a press briefing at its headquarters yesterday to recap reports announced at the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China.
The briefing, held in English and presided over by Liu, saw the attendance of consuls-general in Macau, representatives from local foreign chambers of commerce, as well as local English or Portuguese press.
During the briefing, Liu highlighted that, according to the general report from the Congress, “we must ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong and Macau.”
Liu said, “We must remain committed to law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macau and maintain constitutional order in [the two cities], as stipulated in China’s Constitution and [the cities’] basic laws.”
He described “One country, two systems” as “a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics” and “the best institutional arrangement for ensuring sustained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macau after their return to the motherland.”
He assured attendees that “[it] must be adhered to over the long term, in addition to with a high degree of autonomy.” He added, “We must ensure that the capitalist system and way of life remain unchanged in Hong Kong and Macau in the long run and work to promote long-term prosperity and stability in the two regions.”
Moreover, Liu said that “Hong Kong and Macau [being] administered by patriots must be ensured and the laws and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security [must] be implemented.”
In terms of the form of governance, he said, “We must uphold executive-led government in Hong Kong and Macau, and support the Chief Executives and governments of the two regions in exercising law-based administration, enhancing overall governance and management capacity, and improving judicial and legal systems.”
“We will encourage Hong Kong and Macau to conduct deeper, closer and broader exchanges and cooperation with other regions and countries,” Liu noted. “We will continue to develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and support Hong Kong and Macau in better integrating themselves into China’s overall development and playing a greater role in realizing national rejuvenation.”
In addition, Liu said, “We will inspire more people in Hong Kong and Macau to love both the country and their own regions, be more patriotic, and forge a broader united front at home and abroad in support of the One country, two systems policy.”
“We will crack down hard on anti-China elements that attempt to create chaos in Hong Kong and Macau,” the Commissioner warned. “We will take resolute action to prevent and stop interference in the affairs of Hong Kong and Macau by external forces.”
He also said that “[China has] pursued a more proactive strategy of opening up.” Staff Reporter
