Fight to defend both SARs, all residents urged

All Hong Kong and Macau residents should guard against anti-China troublemakers and defend the two special administrative regions from the United States and other Western forces, says Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.

Speaking at an online forum on "the important spirit of President Xi Jinping's July 1 speech" held by the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies in Beijing, Xia said all Hongkongers should be participants, executors and beneficiaries of "patriots administering Hong Kong" - a policy principle "necessary" to ensure the city's long-term stability.

He said Xi's speech, which reflects "clear implementation logic," holds the key to implementing one country, two systems and hoped that the new administration would be able to tackle Hong Kong's most pressing issues.

"The central authorities firmly support the implementation of an executive-led system in Hong Kong, the healthy interaction between the government and legislature and the independent exercise of judicial power by the judiciary in accordance with the law," he said.

Xia said anyone who dares to "oppose China and disrupt Hong Kong" must face severe punishments and that people should stay vigilant and be watchful of anti-China troublemakers who have not given up their "evil intentions."

He added: "None of those who oppose China and disrupt Hong Kong and Macau shall be left standing and we must also put up a fight against US and Western forces to protect Hong Kong and Macau."

Xi's remarks on safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests are the highest principles behind one country, two systems.

"The country is the root, the foundation. Two systems would not exist without the country in the first place. All SAR residents should feel the need to respect and protect the country's fundamental political system," Xia said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and a number of principal officials attended the seminar at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

After the seminar, Lee said Xi's speech reinforced people's confidence in one country, two systems.

"President Xi's speech will guide Hong Kong's policy direction for the next five years. Hong Kong must have faith," Lee said, adding he will launch a public consultation for his first policy address soon.

Top government policy adviser Lau Siu-kai, also the vice president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said Xia's remarks demonstrated a strong understanding of Hong Kong's place in the US-China relations.

"Even though Hong Kong has implemented the national security law and perfected its electoral system, the US and the West will continue to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs and slander it on the international stage," Lau said.

Basic Law Committee vice chairwoman Maria Tam Wai-chu said: "China is a modern socialist country with special characteristics ... Hong Kong residents must respect that and recognize that it is the cornerstone of the region's development under one country, two systems."

National People's Congress Standing Committee member Tam Yiu-chung hoped the new administration will be given time to "achieve something concrete" and realize Xi's "four hopes" - better governance, stronger development, improved people's livelihood and overall harmony.

cjames.lee@singtaonewscorp.com