BEIJING – Political heavyweights from Hong Kong and Macao on Friday extended their congratulations to President Xi Jinping on his reelection as the nation’s president, expressing confidence that the two special administrative regions will maintain stability and achieve greater prosperity under Xi’s leadership.
Xi was unanimously elected president of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission of the PRC at the ongoing first session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) on Friday.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi has been leading the Chinese people into a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, while the central government has been fully, faithfully and resolutely upholding the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, fully supporting Hong Kong’s transition to prosperity.
Xi and the central authorities have also reiterated their full support of the Hong Kong SAR leadership’s governance in accordance with the law, providing strong impetus for the development of Hong Kong, Lee said.
In addition to developing the economy and implementing the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, the Hong Kong SAR government will also proactively integrate into the national development and strive to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Lee added.
Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng said Xi had won the wholehearted support of the Chinese people by displaying political wisdom as the nation’s leader and great skill as a resourceful strategist with a sense of responsibility, serving the Chinese people with firm dedication.
The Macau SAR government would spare no effort in adhering to the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and will apply utmost effort to safeguarding national sovereignty, security and national development interests, in order to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of Macau’s socioeconomic system.
The two SARs’ delegates to the nation’s two sessions also voiced their support and congratulations.
Business leader Peter Lam Kin-ngok, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, said Xi was deeply concerned about Hong Kong’s development and his visit to the city last year fully demonstrated the top leader’s care for the city and its people
Business leader Peter Lam Kin-ngok, a Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said Xi was deeply concerned about Hong Kong’s development and his visit to the city last year fully demonstrated the top leader’s care for the city and its people. It was under the leadership of Xi that Hong Kong was able to restore order and enter a new stage of seeking greater prosperity. Hong Kong society should further accelerate the pace of integrating into national development, which is a win-win for both the nation and the city, Lam said.
Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, a Hong Kong deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC), said that due to the complex geopolitical situation and the protracted COVID-19 pandemic, many Western countries are experiencing economic recession. Yet China has made extraordinary achievements over the past years under the leadership of Xi. The country has addressed absolute poverty and done an excellent job in combating the pandemic. It has also ensured steady economic growth and enhanced people’s well-being.
Lao Ngai Leong, head of the Macau delegation to the 14th NPC, said Xi has supported Macao’s moves to diversify its economy, address deep-seated socioeconomic problems, and develop the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Zhuhai, which offers a new platform and has injected new vitality into Macau’s high-quality development.
Lao pledged to strive for the steady implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” principle in Macau, along with other Macau compatriots, and to help the city make greater contributions to the nation’s development.
Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, president of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, said Xi stressed both in his landmark speech, which he gave in Hong Kong on July 1 last year, and in his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), that the “One Country, Two Systems” principle is the best system for the Hong Kong SAR and must be upheld in the long run.
The legislature of the Hong Kong SAR will continue to supervise the HKSAR government in the future, and offer advice to enhance the city’s governance and improve the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, Leung said.
– Courtesy of China Daily
