Fellow Citizens and friends,

Today, we gather here to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and inaugurate the sixth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

First of all, I would like to extend my sincere greetings to all Hong Kong residents. I would like to extend my warm congratulations to Mr. Li Ka-chao, the newly appointed Sixth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, to the principal officials of the sixth Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and to the members of the Executive Council. I also wish to express heartfelt thanks to our compatriots at home and abroad and friends who have supported the cause of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

The 5,000-year civilization history of the Chinese nation records the hard work of our ancestors in the lingnan region. The modern history of China after the Opium War records the humiliation of Hong Kong's forced cession, and more importantly, the struggles of the Chinese people to save the nation from extinction. The magnificent century-long struggle of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China is a record of the unique and important contributions made by our Hong Kong compatriots. Throughout history, Hong Kong compatriots have stood with the motherland through thick and thin.

Hong Kong's return to the motherland ushered in a new era in Hong Kong's history. Over the past 25 years, with the full support of the motherland and the concerted efforts of the HKSAR government and people from all walks of life, the success of "one country, two systems" has been universally recognized in Hong Kong.

-- Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has, in the course of China's reform and opening up, taken the lead in the world and played an important role as a bridge and window connecting the mainland with the rest of the world, making irreplaceable contributions to the miracle of China's long-term, steady and rapid economic development. Hong Kong has actively integrated itself into China's overall development and synergized its national development strategy. It continues to enjoy the advantages of being highly free and open and in smooth alignment with international rules. It is playing an important role in building a new pattern of China's opening-up in a wider scope, in wider areas and at deeper levels. Exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland have been expanded in all areas and mechanisms have been improved. The stage for Hong Kong compatriots to make achievements in business has been broadened.

-- Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has overcome various challenges and forged ahead steadily. Neither the international financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic nor some violent social upheavals have stopped Hong Kong from moving forward. Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong's economy has flourished, its status as an international financial, shipping and trade center has been firmly established, its innovative and technological industries have sprung up, and its business environment is world-class. Hong Kong's existing laws, including the common law, have been maintained and developed. Hong Kong's vitality as an international metropolis dazzled the world.

-- After its return to the motherland, Hong Kong compatriots became masters of their own country, exercising a high degree of autonomy under the principle of "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", thus ushering in real democracy in Hong Kong. Over the past 25 years, the constitutional order of the HKSAR based on the Constitution and the Basic Law has been in steady operation, the central government's overall governance power has been implemented, and the HKSAR has correctly exercised its high degree of autonomy. We have formulated the Law on National Security in Hong Kong, established institutional norms for safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, revised and improved the electoral system in Hong Kong, and ensured that the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" is implemented. The democratic system of the HKSAR is consistent with the principle of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's constitutional status. It is conducive to safeguarding the democratic rights of Hong Kong residents, maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and showing a bright future.

Fellow Countrymen and friends,

"One country, two systems" is an unprecedented initiative. The fundamental purpose of "one country, two systems" is to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests and maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao. Everything the central government does is for the good of the country, Hong Kong and Macao, and our compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao. At the meeting celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, I said that the central government will adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems" in two respects. Second, it is comprehensive and accurate to ensure that it is not out of shape or deformed. Today, I want to stress once again that "one country, two systems" has been tested repeatedly in practice. It serves the fundamental interests of the country, the nation and Hong Kong and Macao. It has received the full support of the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, the unanimous support of Hong Kong and Macao residents, and the general endorsement of the international community. Such a good system, there is no reason to change, must be maintained for a long time!

Fellow Countrymen and friends,

Review the old and learn the new. The rich practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong has left us with much valuable experience and profound inspiration. The practice of the past 25 years tells us that only by deeply understanding and accurately grasping the law of practice of "one country, two systems" can we ensure that the cause of "one country, two systems" will move steadily and steadily in the right direction.

First, the principle of "one country, two systems" must be fully and faithfully implemented. The principle of "one country, two systems" is a complete system. Safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests is the supreme principle of the "one country, two systems" policy. On this basis, Hong Kong and Macao have maintained their capitalist systems for a long time to come and enjoy a high degree of autonomy. The socialist system is the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China, and the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics. All residents of the SAR should consciously respect and safeguard the country's fundamental system. The full and accurate implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems" will create boundless space for the development of Hong Kong and Macao. The stronger the principle of "one country" becomes, the stronger the advantage of "two systems" becomes.

Second, we must uphold the unity of the central government's overall governance power and guarantee the high degree of autonomy of the SPECIAL administrative regions. Hong Kong returned to the motherland and was re-integrated into the national governance system, establishing a constitutional order of the HKSAR based on the principle of "one country, two systems". This is the source of the high degree of autonomy of the HKSAR. At the same time, the central government fully respects and firmly upholds the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the HKSAR in accordance with the law. The implementation of the central government's overall governance power and the guarantee of a high degree of autonomy of the SPECIAL administrative regions go hand in hand. Only by doing so can the special administrative regions be well governed. The executive, legislative and judicial organs perform their duties in accordance with the Basic Law and relevant laws. The executive and legislative organs check and balance each other while cooperating with each other. The judicial organs exercise judicial power independently in accordance with the law.

Third, Hong Kong must be governed by patriots. It is a universal law of politics that power must be in the hands of patriots. No people in any country or region in the world will allow unpatriotic or even traitorous forces and figures to seize power. Keeping the governance of the Hong Kong SPECIAL Administrative Region firmly in the hands of the patriots is an inevitable requirement for ensuring Hong Kong's lasting peace and stability, which must not be vacillated at any time. To ensure good governance means to safeguard Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and the vital interests of its more than seven million residents.

Fourth, We must maintain Hong Kong's unique position and advantages. In handling Hong Kong affairs, the central government has always considered Hong Kong affairs from a strategic and overall perspective, and always taken the fundamental and long-term interests of the country and Hong Kong as its starting point and ultimate goal. The fundamental interests of Hong Kong are in line with those of the country, and the hearts of the central government are fully connected with those of Hong Kong compatriots. Hong Kong's strong links with the motherland and the rest of the world are unique and significant advantages that the Hong Kong people cherish, as does the central government. The central government fully supports Hong Kong in maintaining its unique position and advantages, consolidating its position as an international financial, shipping and trade center, maintaining a free, open and regulated business environment, maintaining the common law system, and expanding unimpeded and convenient international connections. The central government believes that Hong Kong will surely make a major contribution to the historical process of comprehensively building a modern socialist country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Fellow Countrymen and friends,

The Chinese people and the Chinese nation have stood up, grown rich and become strong, and Hong Kong compatriots have never been absent. At present, Hong Kong is in a new stage from chaos to governance, to governance and prosperity. The next five years will be a crucial period for Hong Kong to open up new prospects and make new leaps forward. Opportunities and challenges coexist, and the opportunities outweigh the challenges. The central government and people from all walks of life in Hong Kong have high expectations for the new SAR government, and people of all ethnic groups in China have full wishes for Hong Kong. Here, I offer four points of hope.

First, we need to improve governance. Improving its governance system, enhancing its governance capacity and enhancing its governance efficiency is an urgent need for the hksar to achieve success and development. The chief Executive and the government of the HKSAR are the rulers of Hong Kong and the primary persons of responsibility for its governance. We must faithfully fulfill our vows, implement the principle of "one country, two systems" with concrete actions, uphold the authority of the Basic Law, and make wholeheartedly contribution to the Hong Kong SPECIAL Administrative Region. The government should recruit a wide range of outstanding talents who are committed to loving the country and Hong Kong, have outstanding governance capabilities and are eager to serve the public. We need to raise our national and international perspective and actively plan Hong Kong's development from the overall and long-term needs. We need to change our approach to governance, strike a balance between the government and the market, and better integrate an enabling government with an efficient market. We need to strengthen government management, improve the conduct of government, foster a new style of responsibility and good performance, and demonstrate a new atmosphere of good governance.

Second, we need to strengthen the driving force for development. Hong Kong enjoys a special status, favorable conditions and broad space for development. The central government fully supports Hong Kong in seizing the historic opportunities brought by China's development, and taking the initiative to align with national strategies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the High-quality development of the Belt and Road initiative. The central government fully supports Hong Kong in engaging in more extensive and closer exchanges and cooperation with the rest of the world, and in attracting entrepreneurs with dreams to give full play to their ambitions here. The central government fully supports Hong Kong in actively and steadily advancing reform, removing the barriers of vested interests, and fully unleashing the tremendous creativity and development vitality of Hong Kong society.

Third, we need to address concerns over people's wellbeing. "Those who enjoy the benefits of the world, let the world suffer; The joy of living in the world is accompanied by the sorrow of the world. As I said, the people's aspiration for a better life is our goal. At present, the biggest people in Hong Kong want a better life. They want bigger houses, more opportunities to start their own businesses, better education for their children and better care for their old age. The people have called, and I have answered. New special administrative region government to practical promising, irresponsible people, the whole society especially ordinary citizens expect as his biggest pursue, come up with a more assertive energy, more effective measures to break the hard and into, make development more fair to all citizens, let every citizen is convinced that as long as hard work, is able to change himself and his family life.

Fourth, jointly uphold harmony and stability. Hong Kong is the common home of all its people. Through ups and downs, we all feel keenly that Hong Kong cannot afford chaos. All the more, we feel that Hong Kong's development cannot be delayed any longer and we must concentrate on development regardless of all interference. Hong Kong residents, no matter what occupation they may take or what philosophy they believe in, as long as they sincerely support the principle of "one country, two systems", love Hong Kong as their homeland, and abide by the Basic Law and the laws of the HKSAR, they will all be a positive force in building Hong Kong and will make their contribution to it. I hope that all Hong Kong compatriots will vigorously promote the mainstream values centering on patriotism and love of Hong Kong and consistent with the principle of "one country, two systems". We will continue to carry forward the fine traditions of inclusiveness, seeking common ground while shelving differences, striving for strength and striving for success, and work together to create a better life.

We also need to give special attention to young people. When young people prosper, Hong Kong prospers; Youth development, Hong Kong development; If our youth have a future, Hong Kong will have a future. We should guide young people to have a deep understanding of the development trend of the country and the world, and enhance national pride and sense of ownership. We need to help young people solve the practical difficulties they face in studying, finding jobs, starting businesses and buying homes, and create more opportunities for them to grow into talents. We earnestly hope that every young Person in Hong Kong will join us in building a better Hong Kong and write a wonderful life with their passionate youth.

Fellow Countrymen and friends,

"May the yellow crane wings, a borrow flying cloud empty." The great renewal of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. The successful implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is an important part of this historical process. We are confident that with the firm support of our great motherland and the guarantee of the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong will make even greater progress on our new journey to achieve China's second centenary goal, and we will work with the people of the motherland to share the glory of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Source: People's Daily Online