Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Xi Jinping attended and delivered an important speech

Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, July 1st. The celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center on the morning of the 1st. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the State, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission attended and delivered an important speech. He emphasized that in the past 25 years, with the full support of the motherland and the joint efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society, the practice of "one country, two systems" has achieved universally recognized success in Hong Kong. "One country, two systems" has been repeatedly tested in practice. It conforms to the fundamental interests of the country and the nation, and conforms to the fundamental interests of Hong Kong and Macao. It has won the strong support of more than 1.4 billion people of the motherland, the unanimous support of Hong Kong and Macao residents, and the general approval of the international community. There is no reason to change such a good system and it must be adhered to for a long time.
Amid warm applause, Xi Jinping delivered an important speech. He first extended his sincere greetings to all Hong Kong residents, extended warm congratulations to the newly appointed sixth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Li Jiacao, and the principal officials of the sixth government and members of the Executive Council. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to compatriots at home and abroad and international friends who support the cause of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.
Xi Jinping emphasized that the more than 5,000 years of civilization history of the Chinese nation records the hard work of the Chinese ancestors on the land of Lingnan. The modern history of China after the Opium War records the humiliation of the forced cession of Hong Kong and the struggle of the Chinese people to save the nation from subjugation. The magnificent century-old struggle history of the Chinese Communist Party united and led the people to record the unique and important contributions made by Hong Kong compatriots. Throughout history, our compatriots in Hong Kong have always been in the same boat through thick and thin with our motherland.
Xi Jinping stressed that the fundamental purpose of "one country, two systems" is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. Everything the central government does is for the good of the country, for the good of Hong Kong and Macao, and for the good of Hong Kong and Macao compatriots. "One country, two systems" has been repeatedly tested in practice. It conforms to the fundamental interests of the country and the nation, and conforms to the fundamental interests of Hong Kong and Macao. It has won the strong support of more than 1.4 billion people of the motherland, the unanimous support of Hong Kong and Macao residents, and the general approval of the international community. There is no reason to change such a good system and it must be adhered to for a long time.
Xi Jinping pointed out that the rich practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has left us a lot of valuable experience and profound enlightenment. Only by deeply understanding and accurately grasping the practical law of "one country, two systems" can we ensure that the cause of "one country, two systems" will always move steadily in the right direction.
First, the principle of "one country, two systems" must be fully and accurately implemented. The principle of "one country, two systems" is a complete system. Safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is the highest principle of the "one country, two systems" policy. Under this premise, Hong Kong and Macao will maintain their original capitalist systems for a long time and enjoy a high degree of autonomy. The comprehensive and accurate implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy will create unlimited and broad development space for Hong Kong and Macao. The stronger the principle of "one country", the more obvious the advantages of "two systems.
Second, we must adhere to the unity of the central government's overall governance and the guarantee of a high degree of autonomy of the special administrative region. The central government has comprehensive governance over the special administrative regions, which is the source of the high degree of autonomy of the special administrative regions. At the same time, the central government fully respects and firmly maintains the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the special administrative regions in accordance with the law. The implementation of the central government's comprehensive governance power and the guarantee of a high degree of autonomy of the special administrative region are unified and connected, and only by achieving this can the special administrative region be well governed.
Third, we must implement the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong". Power must be in the hands of patriots, it is the political law of the world. Firmly holding the governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in the hands of patriots is an inevitable requirement for ensuring the long-term stability of Hong Kong, and it must not be shaken at any time. To protect the right of governance is to protect the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and the vital interests of more than 7 million Hong Kong residents.
fourth, hong kong's unique position and advantages must be maintained. Relying on the motherland and connecting with the world is Hong Kong's unique and significant advantage. The central government fully supports Hong Kong in maintaining its unique position and advantages for a long time, consolidating its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center, maintaining a free, open and standardized business environment, maintaining the common law system, and expanding smooth and convenient international links. In the historical process of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Hong Kong will certainly make great contributions.
Xi Jinping put forward four hopes for the new government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative region and people from all walks of life: first, efforts should be made to improve the level of governance and show a new atmosphere of good governance. The second is to continuously enhance the momentum of development and fully release the tremendous creativity and development vitality of Hong Kong society. The third is to effectively solve people's livelihood worries and difficulties, so that development results will benefit all citizens more and more equitably. Fourth, jointly maintain harmony and stability and jointly create a better life.
Xi Jinping stressed the need to pay special attention to young people. It is necessary to lead young people to have a deep understanding of the general trend of national and world development, and enhance their sense of national pride and ownership. It is necessary to help young people solve the practical difficulties faced by their studies, employment, entrepreneurship, and home ownership, and create more opportunities for them to grow and become talents. I hope that every Hong Kong youth will join the ranks of building a beautiful Hong Kong and write a wonderful life with fiery youth.
Xi Jinping pointed out that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. Promoting the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is an important part of this historical process. We firmly believe that with the firm support of the great motherland and the solid guarantee of the "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong will surely be able to create greater glory on the new journey to achieve my country's second centenary goal, and will surely be able to share the Chinese nation with the people of the motherland. The glory of the great rejuvenation.
In his speech, Li Jianchao said that as the sixth chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, I feel extremely honored and well aware of the great responsibility. I will lead the governance team to go all out to unite all sectors of Hong Kong society, fully and accurately implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, safeguard the constitutional order of the Special Administrative Region as determined by the Constitution and the basic law, safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Source: Xinhua News Agency