Speech by Luo Huining At the Spring Festival Reception held by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

來源: 中央政府駐港聯絡辦          發布時間: 2020-01-15

TO TREASURE HONG KONG, OUR HOME TOGETHER

Speech by Luo Huining

At the Spring Festival Reception held by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

January 15, 2020

Honorable Vice Chairmen Tung Chee-hwa and Leung Chun-ying,

Honorable Chief Executive Carrie Lam,

Distinguished guests and friends:

 

  Welcome to the annual Spring Festival reception held by the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(SAR). In ten days, we will celebrate the Spring Festival which is a joyous time for us Chinese people to have family reunions. First of all, on behalf of all the staff of the Liaison Office, I’d like to extend our sincere wishes for the Lunar New Year to all the distinguished guests and friends present as well as all Hong Kong residents!

  At a time to bid farewell to the old and usher in the new, looking back over the past year, I believe we all have many unforgettable memories and heartfelt feelings.

  In the past year, the People’s Republic of China celebrated its 70th founding anniversary. The Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation: it has stood up, grown rich, and is becoming stronger. Last year, China’s GDP is expected to reach nearly 100 trillion yuan RMB with a per capita figure of over 10,000 U.S. dollars. More than 10 million people have been lifted out of poverty, our people’s lives are getting better and better.

  In the past year, the country’s first domestically-developed aircraft carrier was commissioned; our lunar probe Chang’e-4, for the first time in human history, landed on the far side of the moon, our national strength is growing The number of countries that have established diplomatic ties with China increased to 180, and the number of countries and international organizations that have joined the Belt and Road Initiative has exceeded 160, we have more and more friends. All the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation are truly embracing the brilliant prospects of rejuvenation.

  It is gratifying that during the inspirational great journey of the past 70 years, Hong Kong was never absent. Hong Kong people in all social circles have made unique and important contributions to China’s reform, opening-up and modernization construction, which have been deeply remembered by history. During the 23 years since its return and with the strong backing of the motherland, Hong Kong people have successfully tackled all sorts of risks and challenges, written a brilliant Hong Kong chapter of common development and prosperity together with the mainland, and shared both the historic responsibility of national rejuvenation and the pride of a strong and prosperous China.

  In the past year, Hong Kong stood through an ordeal. Since last June, prolonged social unrest triggered by a fugitive offenders legislation bill has pulled the heartstrings of people across the country. President Xi Jinping met with Chief Executive Carrie Lam on three occasions within one and a half months at the end of last year, stated the Chinese government’s firm position to the international society in Brazil thousands of miles away, expressed his hope that all circles of the Hong Kong society can “jointly get things done in Hong Kong.”

  Chief Executive Carrie Lam has demonstrated extraordinary courage at this difficult time by leading her administration and the Hong Kong police force to conduct their duties, end violence as well as restore social order. Represented by everyone present, the compatriots loving the country and Hong Kong have made joint efforts to “safeguard the rule of law and oppose violence," showcasing the power of justice of the Hong Kong society.

  Today, Hong Kong has yet completely come out from its predicament. However, if we look at the picture from a longer historical perspective, transforming from a fishing village to a world-renowned modern metropolis, Hong Kong’s development has never been free of difficulties and challenges. As an unprecedented pioneering initiative, the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” will inevitably encounter all kinds of new circumstances and new challenges. We should see clearly the trend of history and stay firm in our faith, and believe that no force can stop the cause of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong from marching forward.

  Distinguished guests and friends!

  How could Hong Kong restart in the new year? President Xi Jinping stressed during his inspection of Macao that “harmony in a family makes everything successful.” Mentioning Hong Kong in his new year speech, President Xi also said that “without a harmonious and stable environment, how can there be a home where people can live and work happily!” Given the current situation in Hong Kong, I want to say that ending violence and chaos and restoring social order still remain the most pressing task for Hong Kong. I also want to say that treasuring Hong Kong, our home, is a shared view, expectation and responsibility of all who truly care for and cherish Hong Kong.

  Let’s cherish our home Hong Kong and make best use of “One Country, Two Systems.” Mr. Deng Xiaoping initiated the scheme of “One Country, Two Systems” with the aim to keep Hong Kong’s characteristics and advantages, and maintain the region’s lasting prosperity and stability, under the precondition of China’s resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The “One Country, Two Systems” was highlighted at the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as one of the 13 aspects of the notable strength of our country's governance systems, which displays the central government’s unswerving confidence and determination in the implementation of “One Country, Two Systems.” Practice shows that if the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” is well implemented, Hong Kong will gain development opportunities and room for growth. On the contrary, should it stray from this principle, Hong Kong will be marred by conflict and chaos, undermining the common, basic and long-term interests of the majority of Hong Kong people. Despite our differences in political views, all should agree that recognizing the “One Country” and cherishing the “Two Systems” will be key to securing Hong Kong people's livelihood as well as the region's future. We believe that the foundation of one country will be strengthened and the two systems will be made good use of. Hong Kong will usher in a new chapter of “when Hong Kong is good, so is the country; when the country is good, Hong Kong will be better.”

  Let’s cherish our home Hong Kong and uphold the core values of the rule of law and civilized society. “Harmony brings good fortune, while discord leads to misfortune.” Hong Kong is an affluent society, but it cannot afford to be torn apart by reckless moves. The social unrest, which began last year, has brought the Hong Kong economy into a recession, severely affecting Hong Kong residents’ lives. Hong Kong is a diversified society in which it comes as no surprise that there are different views and even significant disagreements on some specific issues. No extreme move shall be resorted to, let alone violence. No issues among family members, no matter how serious they are, cannot be solved if consultations and discussions are conducted. Overstepping the bottom line of the rule of law as well as the civilized society will only lead to disastrous damage to the society. Hong Kong compatriots enjoy the fine tradition of respecting the rule of law. We believe that Hong Kong, our home, will continue to make us be proud so long as people who love the country and Hong Kong work in unity, 180,000 civil servants fulfill their responsibilities, all sectors of the society make joint efforts to firmly uphold the core values of the rule of law and resolutely support the SAR government in its effective administration in accordance with the law.

  Let’s cherish our home Hong Kong and realize the aspiration of prosperity and development. President Xi Jinping said during his inspection of Hong Kong in 2017, “We should ensure the success of development on the mainland which practices the socialist system. We should also ensure the success of development in Hong Kong which practices the capitalist system.” Nobody has better wishes for Hong Kong than the motherland. The central government’s important decisions on the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and encouraging Hong Kong to take part in the Belt and Road Initiative are aimed at helping Hong Kong break development bottlenecks, consolidate and expand Hong Kong’s own advantages in a bid to provide Hong Kong people, especially the youth, with opportunities for development and room for growth. The Hong Kong youth are sons and daughters of the big family of the Chinese nation. They are also the major force of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as well as Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. It is sincerely hoped that the Hong Kong youth foster the sense of national identity, love for Hong Kong and international perspective, and gain control of their own future by taking part in the development of the nation and advancing the development of Hong Kong. With the support of the motherland and the vision of facing the world, Hong Hong will surely create miracles if it can walk out of the political chaos and make breakthroughs in development as early as possible.

  Distinguished guests and friends!

  Since I arrived in Hong Kong to take office 12 days ago, as a member of this family, I have already felt warmth and hospitality at home. Looking back on the past, Hong Kong people with different languages, religions and customs gathered under the Lion Rock, with the spirit of “putting aside differences to strive for a common goal.” They have joined hands to work for their common home and achieved the legend of Hong Kong. Although the situation of Hong Kong is not yet stabilized, we are confident that our home Hong Kong will return to normal with the Lion Rock spirit, with Hong Kong’s advantages and the support of the motherland.

  In the new year, the Liaison Office will fulfill its duty with sincerity and affection, and work with all Hong Kong compatriots to build a brighter future of Hong Kong.

  Best wishes to Hong Kong and the Hong Kong compatriots!

  Thank you!

  附:駱惠寧在中央政府駐港聯絡辦2020年新春酒會上的致辭(中文版)

    
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