Action guideline to better implement 'two systems'

President Xi Jinping's report at the Community Party's 20th congress has provided "an action guideline" for the two SARs, says Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council director Xia Baolong.

At a meeting with Guangdong party delegates, Xia said Xi's report systematically set forth "new concepts, new ideas and new strategies" for upholding one country, two systems.

The principle has been universally recognized as a success since Hong Kong's handover in 1997, Xia said.

Although the city has experienced some ups and downs, Xia said Xi and the central government launched the national security law and adopted a series of effective measures - including improving the electoral system and implementing the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle.

These measures have effectively cracked down on forces that are opposed to China and attempts to destabilize Hong Kong, ending the SAR's history of "no defense" in safeguarding national security, he said.

"With President Xi being the core of the party and his thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era being scientific guidance, the one country, two systems principle can definitely be better implemented in the future," Xia said.

Meanwhile, pro-Beijing National People's Congress Standing Committee member Tam Yiu-chung poured cold water on hopes of reopening with the mainland soon.

"It's unrealistic to think the central government will ease border restrictions as soon as the congress ends because the pandemic is rebounding and new variants with higher transmissibility have been detected constantly," he said.

Deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission Zhao Chenxin said the commission will support the development of the Greater Bay Area's international technology innovation and to increase the SAR's competitiveness.

Zhao added that China's decision to focus on reducing dependence on imported resources, does not mean the country will have to be self-sufficient in everything, adding that the trend of economic globalization is irreversible.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com