Political heavyweights in Hong Kong and Macao have painted a rosy picture of national development in the next decade under the country’s newly elected State leaders with President Xi Jinping at the core, as well as the implementation of “one country, two systems” in the two special administrative regions.
Xi was unanimously elected president of the People’s Republic of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission on Friday at the ongoing first session of the 14th National People’s Congress.
This has sent a loud message to those attempting to pressure us that our country is standing as one.
Brave Chan Yung, Hong Kong deputy to National People’s Congress
The NPC and the nation’s top political advisory body — the National Committee of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference — on Friday and Saturday saw the election of other State leaders, including Premier Li Qiang, NPC Chairman Zhao Leji, State Vice-President Han Zheng, and CPPCC National Committee Chairman Wang Huning.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Xi has been leading the nation into a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, while the central government has been fully, faithfully and resolutely upholding “one country, two systems” and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, fully supporting the SAR’s transition to prosperity.
He said the HKSAR government will proactively integrate itself into national development and strive to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng said Xi has won the wholehearted support of the Chinese people by displaying political wisdom as a State leader, and great skill as a resourceful strategist with a sense of responsibility, serving the people with firm dedication.
The Macao SAR government will spare no effort in adhering to “one country, two systems”, and do its best in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and national development interests.
The two SARs’ delegates to the two sessions also pinned high hopes on the new State leadership, helmed by Xi.
Ma Fung-kwok, the head of Hong Kong’s NPC delegation, noted that many State leaders have been unanimously elected, reflecting the nation’s cohesion.
Xi, who has shown extensive care for the HKSAR’s development and attended the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland last year, has enjoyed the wide support of Hong Kong residents and all people in the country, Ma said. Xi’s election as CMC chairman can also better protect national security.
Brave Chan Yung, another Hong Kong NPC deputy, said he was excited to be present when Xi was reelected with the full support of the deputies. “This has sent a loud message to those attempting to pressure us that our country is standing as one,” he said.
Many Hong Kong and Macao delegates pledged to actively convey Xi’s expectations to residents of the two SARs; promote the essence of the two sessions and the National Congress of the Communist Party of China held in October; unite the Hong Kong and Macao communities to revive their economies; and integrate themselves into the nation’s development.
Hong Kong’s business and trade groups, including the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong, also expressed confidence in the newly elected State leaders in steering the country toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and in ensuring Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.
On Saturday, Starry Lee Wai-king, Hong Kong lawmaker and chairperson of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, the city’s largest political party, was elected as the HKSAR’s sole delegate to the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress with 2,901 votes.
Lee, 49, is Hong Kong’s youngest-ever NPCSC delegate. She replaced Hong Kong veteran politician Tam Yiu-chung, who had served in the post since 2018.
Lee said she’s grateful to the nation and the NPC deputies for the support she has received. She pledged to fulfill her role as a two-way bridge — taking Hong Kong residents’ voice to the central government and helping Hong Kong society to understand and grasp the opportunities provided by the nation’s development initiatives, especially the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Contact the writers at williamxu@chinadailyhk.com