CRNTT:

Over recent years, the central government has repeatedly stressed the need to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems" and ensure that patriots administer Hong Kong and Macao. How should this be understood? Thank you.

Wang Linggui:

Thank you for your question. The principle of "one country, two systems" embodies a complete system. Fully and faithfully implementing this principle requires an accurate understanding of the relation between "one country” and "two systems." Its top priority is safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. With this being ensured, Hong Kong and Macao can keep their previous capitalist systems unchanged for a long time and enjoy a high degree of autonomy. Since the socialist system is the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China and leadership by the CPC is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics, all residents in the two SARs should willingly respect and uphold the country's fundamental system. The central government's overall jurisdiction over the SARs underpins their high degree of autonomy, and such autonomy bestowed by the law is fully respected and resolutely safeguarded by the central government. The more firmly the "one country" principle is upheld, the greater the strength of the "two systems" can be unleashed for the development of the SARs.

It is a universal political rule that a government must be in the hands of patriots. There is no country or region in the world where its people will allow an unpatriotic or even treasonous force or figure to take power. The principle that patriots should administer Hong Kong and Macao is an essential requirement for Hong Kong's and Macao's long-term prosperity and stability, as well as safeguarding the immediate interests of the people in both regions. The governance teams of the SARs must be patriots who stand firm, take on responsibility, care for the people, and have the power to inspire a sense of responsibility. In addition, everyone in Hong Kong and Macao, regardless of profession and belief, can be a positive force and do their bit for the region's development. But they must genuinely support the principle of "one country, two systems," love Hong Kong and Macao, and abide by the Basic Law and other laws of the two SARs. Thank you.