CPC takes firm line on 'overall jurisdiction'

The Communist Party of China Central Committee's report, delivered by General Secretary Xi Jinping, emphasized both Hong Kong's "high degree of autonomy" and the central government's "overall jurisdiction" over the special administrative region. The report also covers the central government's right to supervise the SAR government in implementing its high degree of autonomy.

The message is clear that all of the SAR's authority was commissioned by the central government. The people of Hong Kong should recognize the constitutional status of the city as an SAR of the People's Republic of China and respect the central government authorities under leadership of the CPC.

Meanwhile, rights and responsibilities always go together. The report not only mentioned the rights Hong Kong will gain and benefits the city will harness in the country's future development. It also emphasized the responsibility Hong Kong should fulfill in the nation's rejuvenation.

It is of great importance that Hong Kong has a key role to play in safeguarding national security and protecting national interests. Xi's words reminded Hong Kong people of their obligations to the nation while enjoying the benefits and unique development advantages brought by the "one country, two systems" principle.

And by including Hong Kong in the national development strategies, the city and Chinese mainland will speed up integration and eventually eradicate divisions caused by different social systems. Such moves will strengthen Hong Kong people's national identity and deepen the sense of a shared destiny with all Chinese people.

'One country, two systems' must embody characteristics of new era

Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a "new era", General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping said in a report delivered at the opening session of the 19th National Congress of the CPC. Xi also highlighted that the principal contradiction facing Chinese society has evolved into one "between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life".

This basic judgment is of great significance in guiding Hong Kong's implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy. First of all, the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics will remain for at least the first half of the 21st century. This means implementation of "one country, two systems" must follow the great new era closely. Also, the special administrative region government must be committed to solving the structural problems of Hong Kong's economic, political and social environment and satisfying the ever-growing needs of Hong Kong people for a better life.

Integration of SARs with mainland key theme

There are many highlights in the report delivered by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping, different from previous ones. For instance, Xi put in the report that the policy of "one country, two systems" is the best solution to the questions of Hong Kong and Macao. This argument will guide the development of Hong Kong in the long term.

Priority given to construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area highlighted the nation's care for the special administrative region. Under the current circumstances, the integration of Hong Kong and the mainland is where the city could revive its glories. It is also impressive to see the remarks that patriots should play the principal role as the Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong and the Macao people govern Macao. This content on Hong Kong is worth studying.

The report will exert tremendous influence on the development of the country, Hong Kong included of course. Hong Kong should follow Xi's great instructions to better implement the policy of "one country, two systems".

(HK Edition 10/19/2017 page8)