Chinese Ambassador to Turkmenistan: Looking at China through Key Words
March 24, 2021 | 15:24 |11809
3rd edition. Beginning is here, and sequel is here
On March 11, 2021, at the 4th session of the 13th convocation of the Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC), a Decision was taken to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), which, as an institutional mechanism, ensures the principle of “Patriots ruling Hong Kong”, fills in the gaps in the current electoral system of Hong Kong and fully demonstrates the strong will and historical responsibility of the Central Government of China towards promoting the sustainability and long-term practice of the “one country, two systems” course. Hong Kong’s improved electoral system will surely provide the lawful and efficient governance, and will help the “Pearl of the East” return to the correct development path and restore its former prosperity.Keyword 1: Institutional mechanism
Central and local government in any country must be exercised only by patriots. Only then will national security and development interests not be endangered. This is generally accepted truth, and Hong Kong is not an exception. Only by implementing the principle of “Patriots ruling Hong Kong” the full and accurate implementation of the “one country, two systems” course can be guaranteed, as well as the basic system of the state and the constitutional order of Hong Kong can be preserved.
In recent years, some anti-Chinese elements and forces striving for the so-called independence of Hong Kong have entered the structure of the Hong Kong SAR by elections. In an attempt to seize the right to rule by the election fraud, they unceremoniously carried out anti-Chinese actions, which pose a serious threat to country’s safe development, and violate the social stability of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s current electoral system has notable gaps and weaknesses. An important reason is the incomplete implementation of the “Patriots ruling Hong Kong” course and the lack of a strong position of this course.
According to the NPC Decision to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR, an electoral commission with a broad representation will be established in Hong Kong, which corresponds to the realities of Hong Kong and represents the general interests of society. The head of the Hong Kong SAR Administration will be elected by the electoral commission and appointed by the Central Government of China. A credentials commission will also be established to consider candidates.
The NPC Standing Committee is authorized to amend the Procedure for Electing the Head of Administration and the Procedure for Forming the Hong Kong SAR Legislative Council and PRC’s Basic Law on the Hong Kong SAR. This measure will definitely improve the electoral system of Hong Kong in the future, ensure the implementation of the principle of “Patriots ruling Hong Kong” and the rejection of anti-Chinese elements, will allow the patriotic forces to firmly control the right to govern, provide the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, also protect the sovereignty, security and China’s development interests.
Keyword 2: Competence of the Central Government
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The political system of the SAR, including the electoral system, falls under the competence of the Central Government of China. The improvement of the SAR electoral system must be carried out under the leadership of the Central Authority which has the decision making power.
In the face of shortcomings and threats in the SAR electoral system, the amendment and improvement of the relevant system by the Central Government from the standpoint of the constitutional order is its right and duty, which is absolutely fair, justified, constitutional and legal.
As the supreme authority, the NPC has an undeniable right to make an institutional decision to improve the Hong Kong electoral system. This is within its competence and responsibilities, which is in line with the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR, and has a solid political and legal framework.
Hong Kong is part of China. The PRC Central Government, like no other authority, cares for Hong Kong and is interested in maintaining its stability and prosperity. The improvement of the Hong Kong electoral system under the leadership of the Central Government and the strengthening of the system base of “Patriots ruling Hong Kong” reflect the concern for the Hong Kong SAR and its population, which is fully in line with Hong Kong’s own interests.
Keyword 3: “One country, two systems”
“One country, two systems” means that there is a socialist system on the territory of the PRC (mainland China), while it is allowed to maintain the capitalist system in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Aomen (Macau).
This basic government policy is in line with the holistic interests of China and the fundamental wellbeing of the people of Hong Kong. Since the return of Hong Kong to the PRC, China has been always fully and accurately implementing such courses as “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong is ruled by its people” and “high degree of autonomy”, and as well as defends the constitutional order of Hong Kong.
The progress and achievements in development of democracy in the Hong Kong SAR are obvious. As an important part of the SAR’s political system, the electoral system must comply with the course “one country, two systems” and provide a solid guarantee for the principle of “Patriots ruling Hong Kong”.
The NPC’ decision to improve and amend the electoral system of Hong Kong in line with the modern requirements will not change the course “one country, two systems”, but it will direct Hong Kong to the original goal and on the right track. This will help to fully implement the principle of “Patriots ruling Hong Kong” at the institutional level, provide the sustainability and long-term practice of the “one country, two systems” course, more effective use of the advantage of “one country, two systems”, promote the integration of Hong Kong into the development system of entire China, and create brighter prospects for the SAR.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Turkmenistan Qian NAICHENG
