Chen Wenjun:

Thank you, Mr. Huang. Now, the floor is open for questions. Please identify the media outlet you represent before asking questions.

CCTV:

The successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and Macao has been an important part of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. What new progress and achievements have been made in the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and Macao over the past decade?

Huang Liuquan:

Thank you for your question. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, new progress and achievements in the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and Macao have been made in various areas. I'd like to make an introduction focusing on the following three aspects:

First, in the Hong Kong and Macao SARs, the constitutional order based on the Constitution and the respective basic laws has been maintained in a sound manner, and the governance system has been improved. The central government's overall jurisdiction over the SARs has been well implemented, and a high degree of autonomy in the SARs has been exercised as it should be. The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been formulated and enforced, and the Macao SAR is set to amend its law on safeguarding national security. We have been committed to safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. We have materialized the principle that Hong Kong and Macao should be administered by patriots, and improved Hong Kong's electoral system. Efforts have been made to ensure the democratic system of the SARs conforms to the principle of "one country, two systems" and the SARs' constitutional status, and is in the interest of residents' democratic rights in Hong Kong and Macao, as well as their prosperity and stability. Hong Kong and Macao residents can enjoy extensive rights and freedom in accordance with the law.

Second, the Hong Kong and Macao SARs have overcome various hardships and challenges and are advancing steadily. Despite adverse changes in the external environment, the severe COVID-19 epidemic and social unrest, Hong Kong and Macao have continued to develop. From the perspective of Hong Kong, its status as an international financial, shipping and trading center and an international civil aviation hub has been further consolidated and improved. Positive progress has been made in constructing a global innovation and technology center, an international legal and dispute resolution service center in the Asia-Pacific region, a regional intellectual property trade center, and a Sino-foreign cultural and art exchange center. From the perspective of Macao, its economy has developed rapidly, with its per capita GDP ranking among the top in the world. It has seen the booming growth of emerging industries including conventions and exhibitions, traditional Chinese medicine, specialized financial services, and cultural and creative industries. Macao's economic diversification has achieved initial results. The Hong Kong and Macao SARs have made overall progress in social undertakings such as education, science and technology, medical and health care, culture, and sports. They have continuously expanded exchanges with other countries, and significantly increased their international impact.

Third, while leveraging complementary advantages and seeking common development with the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao have accelerated their integration into the remarkable journey toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Hong Kong and Macao have actively integrated themselves into the overall national development, proactively dovetailed themselves with the national development strategies, comprehensively expanded exchange and cooperation with the mainland, and continuously improved the mechanism in this regard. They have given full play to the advantages of a high degree of openness and aligned themselves with international rules. In doing so, they have played an important role in raising China's opening up to a higher level with broader coverage and scope. Hong Kong has always been the largest source of foreign capital, the largest destination for foreign investment, and the largest transit trade port for the Chinese mainland. Macao has become an essential platform for China's two-way opening up, especially for economic and trade exchanges with Portuguese-speaking countries. In the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Hong Kong and Macao have made and will continue to make significant contributions. Thank you.