Hong Kong Sing Tao Daily:
The release of the white paper coincides with the first day after the Hong Kong LegCo election. May I ask what the considerations were in choosing the timing of its release? Thank you.
Wang Zhenmin:
As for the timing for the release of the white paper, there are many comments. In my view, two elements are of much concern to its debut soon after the LegCo election. First, the new electoral system of Hong Kong has twice experienced test practices: one with the elections of the Election Committee and the other with the LegCo. It is timely to summarize the new electoral system of Hong Kong. After all, the two significant practices have proved that it's a good system. The only test for truth is practice. We speak with facts. It's a good time to summarize the new electoral system in the HKSAR and its practical experience, elaborate on the core principles of the new electoral system and democracy, make a panoramic scanning of the democratic progress of Hong Kong, and extract the experience, lessons, and basic rules. I think it's appropriate. Second, some Western countries and politicians always observe China and everything in Hong Kong with self-imposed bias and resort to all kinds of means to attack and smear democracy in Hong Kong. The release of the white paper is timely to clarify facts, uncover the truth, fight against the attack on the democracy and new electoral system of the HKSAR, and manifest the principles and position of the Chinese government on the democratic progress of Hong Kong. I think the timing is very appropriate. Thank you.
