Phoenix TV:

My question is about the composition of the Election Committee. Why should Hong Kong deputies to the NPC, Hong Kong members of the CPPCC National Committee and representatives of Hong Kong members of related national organizations be added as the fifth sector in the Election Committee? What are the considerations of the central government? Thank you.

Deng Zhonghua:

As we all know, under Hong Kong's current electoral system, Hong Kong deputies to the NPC are ex-officio members of the Election Committee, and some Hong Kong members of the CPPCC National Committee are also members of the Election Committee. Under the new electoral system, Hong Kong deputies to the NPC will continue to be ex-officio members, and all HKSAR permanent residents among the members of the CPPCC National Committee will become members of the Election Committee. That is to say, the Hong Kong members of the CPPCC National Committee will also be ex-officio members of the Election Committee. In addition, we have included the "representatives of Hong Kong members of related national organizations," because we think that as these Hong Kongers participate in activities of national organizations, they have a better understanding of state affairs. Generally speaking, the members in the fifth sector have a strong sense of the nation. Their appointment as members of the Election Committee can help strengthen national elements in the Committee and integrate the defending of national interests with the interests of Hong Kong. Thank you.