Policy Address
III. Upholding “One Country, Two Systems”
Staying True to Our Original Aspiration
9. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law. Looking back at the development journey of the HKSAR in the past 23 years, we should deeply appreciate the great concept of “One Country, Two Systems” put forth by Mr Deng Xiaoping, which has not only successfully resolved the issues left over by history, making it possible for Hong Kong to return to the embrace of our motherland, but also ensured the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Last year, the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CCCPC) adopted the decision on “upholding the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, maintaining lasting prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, and promoting the peaceful reunification of China” as one of the notable strengths of the state and governance systems of our country. This clearly illustrates the Central Government’s unwavering determination in upholding the “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
10. To ensure that the “One Country, Two Systems” principle is fully and accurately implemented, we must adhere to the Constitution and the Basic Law. According to Article 31 of the Constitution, “The State may establish special administrative regions when necessary. The systems to be instituted in special administrative regions shall be prescribed by law enacted by the National People’s Congress in the light of specific conditions.” The National People’s Congress (NPC) is the highest organ of state power, and its decisions have the highest legal effect. The Standing Committee of the NPC (NPCSC) has the power to interpret the Basic Law. The NPC and its Standing Committee have the power to supervise the implementation of the Basic Law. These provisions, in essence, constitute the constitutional order of the HKSAR.
