Beijing(National Times)- China’s State Council Information Office on Monday issued a white paper titled
“Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two
Systems.” The white paper presented a comprehensive review of the origin and development of
democracy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the
principles and position of the central government. Under British colonial rule, there was no democracy in Hong Kong, it said. The white paper pointed out that after resuming the exercise of sovereignty, the
Chinese government implemented the basic policy of “one country, two systems” and
established democracy in the HKSAR. It has since provided constant support to the region in developing its democratic
system. “The determination, sincerity, and efforts of the Communist Party of China
(CPC) and the Chinese government to this end have remained consistent and are
obvious to any objective observer,” it read. Facts have proved time and again, the anti-China agitators in Hong Kong and the
external groups behind them must be held to account for impeding Hong Kong’s
progress towards democracy, the white paper noted. To put an end to the political turmoil in Hong Kong in recent years, a series of major
decisions have been taken by the CPC and the central government, the white paper
said. It noted that measures taken accordingly, including strengthening the central
authorities’ overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR in accordance with the Constitution
and the Basic Law, have restored order to Hong Kong, returning the democratic
process to a sound footing. “The principle of ‘one country, two systems’ provides the fundamental guarantee for
the development of democracy in HKSAR,” it said. “To ensure that ‘one country, two systems’ will make steady progress, and to further
the development of democracy in Hong Kong, we must remain committed to the
principle that Hong Kong is governed by Hong Kong patriots,” it added.
The white paper hailed the “one country, two systems” policy as a creative innovation
of the CPC and the Chinese government that has proved to be a great success in Hong
Kong. “With their political vision, the CPC and the Chinese government are certain of the
long-term success of the socialist system on the mainland,” the white paper said. “They are equally certain of the long-term success of both the capitalist system in
Hong Kong and a form of democracy suited to its realities,” it added. Rooted in the motherland, and buttressed by democracy and the rule of law, a free and
inclusive Hong Kong will continue to prosper, to enjoy enduring stability and
harmony, and to open itself to the world, the white paper said.