South China Morning Post:

People are all concerned about the current situation in Hong Kong. What discussions were held on Hong Kong's situation at the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)? The Communique released after the session mentions the "one country, two systems" principle, stating the need to establish and improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the special administrative regions to safeguard national security. Would you like to introduce the specific measures? For example, will the National People's Congress participate in constructing the national security system in Hong Kong via legislation and interpretation? Is there a timetable? Thank you. 

Xu Lin:

Mr. Shen Chunyao will take your questions.

Shen Chunyao:

Governing Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SARs) based on the "one country, two systems" principle is an important part of China's national governance system, and it is surely an important item included in the agenda of the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Decision adopted at the session includes a section on the arrangements and requirements concerning how to uphold and improve the "one country, two systems" principle. It stresses that we should govern Hong Kong and Macao in full accordance with this principle, and we should fully and faithfully implement the policies involved, namely, "one country, two systems", "the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong", "the people of Macao governing Macao", and a high degree of autonomy enjoyed by both regions. We must adhere to the principle that "one country" is the premise and foundation for the implementation of the "two systems", and the "two systems" part is subordinated to and derived from "one country" and unified within it.

The Decision puts forward a series of tasks and requirements in this regard. First, continuing to govern Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law, upholding the constitutional order in the special administrative regions prescribed by the national Constitution and the Basic Law of each SAR, improving the systems and mechanisms related to the implementation of the Constitution and Basic Law of each SAR, remaining committed to the policy of Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong and Macao people governing Macao, with patriots playing the principal role, and improving the SARs' law-based governance capabilities. Second, improving the system and mechanism through which the central government appoints or removes the chief executives and key officials of the SARs, intensifying the system of the NPC Standing Committee's interpretations of the Basic Law of each SAR, and exercising the powers granted to the central government by the Constitution and the Basic Law. The third aspect is setting up and improving legislation and enforcement mechanisms for the special administrative regions to safeguard national security, and supporting the SARs in enhancing their law enforcement capabilities. Fourth, there is a need to improve the coordinated development mechanism to better integrate Hong Kong and Macao into the country's overall development so as to complement one another's advantages, advancing the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and supporting the two SARs in developing their economy, improving people's livelihoods and solving deep-rooted problems possibly influencing their social stability and future development. Fifth, there is a need to better educate people in Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, particularly civil servants and young people, about the country's Constitution, the Basic Law of each SAR, and its national conditions, history and culture, so as to enhance their sense of national consciousness and patriotism.

In a word, we will further improve the system that ensures the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong and Macao as mandated by the Constitution and the Basic Law of each special administrative region, firmly uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests, maintain lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, never tolerate any act that challenges the bottom line of the "one country, two systems" principle or any attempt to split the country or endanger national security, and resolutely prevent and contain external interference in Hong Kong and Macao affairs and their separatist, subversive, infiltration and sabotage activities. Thank you.