‘Primary political task’ for Hong Kong to roll out activities boosting awareness of spirit of Communist Party’s 20th congress: Beijing’s point man on city affairs
- HKMAO director Xia Baolong elaborates on state leader’s speech at recently concluded session, pointing to affirmation of ‘one country, two systems’
- Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong also holds ‘leadership meeting’ to learn spirit of congress
It is Hong Kong’s “primary political task” to roll out carefully crafted activities to boost residents’ understanding of the spirit of the Communist Party’s 20th congress led by Chinese President Xi Jinping, a senior Beijing official overseeing the city’s affairs has said.
Xia Baolong, director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), also pledged support in developing the local economy as well as solving deep-seated economic and social problems to fulfil the direction reaffirmed by Xi.
During an HKMAO meeting on Monday, the content of which was revealed by the organisation on Tuesday night, Xia elaborated on the state leader’s congress speech delivered on October 16, saying the full affirmation of the “one country, two systems” governing principle was a “solemn declaration to the world” that also provided fundamental guidelines on Hong Kong and Macau.
“The [report] profoundly summarised the practice of one country, two systems, especially the historic achievements of Hong Kong from chaos to governance … emphasising such a best institutional arrangement must be adhered to for a long time,” he said, adding the speech marked the Chinese leader’s “full affirmation”.
Xi’s opening address at the party’s twice-a-decade congress in Beijing suggested Hong Kong would be further integrated into national development plans and play a “better role” in realising the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”.
The president also reaffirmed the longevity of Hong Kong’s one country, two systems governing policy, and its “patriots-only” administration.
Amendments were also made to the party constitution, including an addition to highlight the importance of one country, two systems as Beijing’s fundamental governing principle for Hong Kong and Macau.
