Hong Kong residents walk down streets under flying Chinese national flags and Hong Kong regional flags on June 28, 2022, as the city overflows with patriotic energy ahead of the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland. Photo: Fan Lingzhi/Global Times

Xi Jinping’s report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concerning Hong Kong, Macao affairs serves as a guideline for future actions of the special administrative region (SAR), chief executive of Hong Kong John Lee Ka-chiu said.

What the report encouraged him the most is content on One Country, Two Systems, Hong Kong and Macao affairs is rich, revealing the great importance that the central government attaches to work related to Hong Kong and Macao, and the One Country, Two Systems, Lee told a press conference on Tuesday morning.

Lee continued that as the report put it, the country will support Hong Kong in developing its economy, improving people's livelihood and social stability, supporting Hong Kong and Macao in addressing deep-seated problems in their economic and social development.

The central government strongly supports giving full play to the strengths of Hong Kong and Macao. The country has always been the strongest backing for Hong Kong in past five years when the city has gone through the most severe test since its return to the motherland, Lee noted.

The report serves as a guideline for the SAR's future actions and a key stand for Hong Kong. Just like Xi's speech on July 1, it is the direction and blueprint of Hong Kong enacting policies, the chief executive said.

At the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the CPC on Sunday, Xi stressed "the policy of One Country, Two Systems is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It has proven to be the best institutional arrangement for ensuring sustained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao after their return to the motherland. This policy must be adhered to over the long term."

"We will fully, faithfully, and resolutely implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macao administer Macao, both with a high degree of autonomy. We will remain committed to law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macao," Xi said.

Commenting on the report, Xia Baolong, head of the State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, said at a Sunday group discussion with delegates from South China's Guangdong Province who are attending the 20th CPC National Congress that it thoroughly summarizes the practice of One Country, Two Systems and the historic achievements of Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order. The report systematically elaborates on new concepts, new ideas and new strategies for upholding and improving One Country, Two Systems, and provides a fundamental basis and guideline for work on Hong Kong and Macao.

Speaking on his coming policy address that is about to be revealed to the public on Wednesday, Lee said he brought up slew of measures aiming to develop the economy and improve standards of living, including land, housing and how to enhance competitiveness of Hong Kong.

Lee stressed the selection of green cover of the policy address this year represents hope, vitality, harmony and stability. He said he hopes the future of Hong Kong is full of hope and the address can instill confidence in the public.

Global Times