Recently there have been lots of discussions centered on “patriots governing Hong Kong”, including the definition of “patriot” and how to institutionalize this precept. Vice-Premier Han Zheng, who is also the leader of the Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, has emphasized that “patriots governing Hong Kong” is not a mere slogan. It demands major changes to Hong Kong’s governance; anyone who cares about “one country, two systems” and the development of Hong Kong has to be fully informed of this principle.
To accurately interpret “patriots governing Hong Kong”, one must look at it from the perspective of the nation. “One country, two systems” is not only a solution to the Hong Kong issue but also a national policy. President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that the central government upholds two principles about the “one country, two systems” policy: First, it remains committed to the policy and it will never change or waver on its position; second, the policy must be implemented exactly as it is designed, without any distortion. In case anything contravening the above two principles happens, the central government would never compromise, as evidenced in the case of the recent anti-China movement, the “mutual destruction” campaign and the attempts to usurp Beijing’s sovereign power over Hong Kong. This is why the “patriots governing Hong Kong” precept was established in the first place.
Hong Kong has undergone pervasive turmoil that sent shock waves across the globe, revealing that the practice of “one country, two systems” has gone astray. Consequently, apart from curbing social unrest, Hong Kong must also get back on track for people’s well-being
“Patriots governing Hong Kong” is one of the well-thought-out steps taken by the central authorities to restore law and order in Hong Kong. Since the second half of 2019, Hong Kong has undergone pervasive turmoil that sent shock waves across the globe, revealing that the practice of “one country, two systems” has gone astray. Consequently, apart from curbing social unrest, Hong Kong must also get back on track for people’s well-being. This is clearly not a simply task and will require the support of the central government. Han’s recent meeting with Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress in Beijing indicates that the central government had conducted thorough research and consideration before coming up with its decisions on Hong Kong issues. For example, the National Security Law for implementation in the HKSAR was enacted last June to forestall activities that endanger national security and to crack down on the proxies of the hostile foreign forces in Hong Kong. After that, “patriots governing Hong Kong” will be effectively carried out to ensure the smooth and faithful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
There is no doubt a need for patriots who are in positions of authority to uphold higher standards for morality and patriotism, particularly in terms of shunning partisan interests. Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, earlier said that those who hold important offices, wield vital power and shoulder major governance responsibilities in the power structure of the HKSAR must meet higher qualification requirements. They must be committed to the faithful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle; have a high sense of responsibility; view issues from a national perspective; and cooperate with absolute sincerity. Particularly noteworthy is the requirement of “viewing issues from a national perspective”, which, as explained by Xia, is essentially the requirement for one to stand at the strategic height of the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, plan for the future of Hong Kong, and manage Hong Kong’s affairs well.After political development is back on track following the reforms, patriots will play an important role in the process of establishing good governance, which is the key to restoring the confidence of the local and the international communities in “one country, two systems”. Han specifically mentioned the housing problem and innovation development in Hong Kong, which undoubtedly are undertakings that patriots need to commit to.
The institutionalization of “patriots governing Hong Kong” effectuated by the central authorities is just the beginning of the normalization process of Hong Kong’s socioeconomic development. For the process to proceed smoothly, patriots in public offices must do their part.
The author is senior research officer of the One Country Two Systems Research Institute.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
