By building a solid foundation for security while upholding the principle and leveraging the advantages of “one country, two systems”, such efforts will dovetail with national strategies to create a strong impetus for growth, Chief Executive John Lee said in his Policy Address today.

He stressed that the principle of “one country, two systems” is the best institutional safeguard for the long‑term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

As stated by President Xi Jinping in his important speech delivered on July 1, Mr Lee pointed out that the “one country, two systems” principle has been tested repeatedly in practice, so there is no reason to change such a good policy and Hong Kong must adhere to it.

He explained that the President has set a definitive tone and given strong assurances to Hong Kong and that the top priority of such a principle is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Mr Lee said: “As clearly reflected from the experience over the past 25 years since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, we must fully and faithfully implement the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, safeguard the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s constitutional basis and order as laid down by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law, implement the principle of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ and uphold the overarching principle of safeguarding national security.

“The more firmly the ‘one country’ principle is upheld, the greater strength the ‘two systems’ will be unleashed.”

The Chief Executive emphasised that over the past 25 years, Hong Kong has overcome various challenges and forged ahead with progressive development, adding that its pace has not slowed despite the changing external environment, the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the social unrest previously.

Having restored order from chaos, Mr Lee stated that citizens must stay alert to threats and dangers, adopt bottom‑line thinking, and sustain efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests in order to guard vigilantly against the recurrence of threats.

As the Government strives to fully and faithfully implement the principle of “one country, two systems”, it will continue to steadfastly safeguard the constitutional order of the Hong Kong SAR and the country’s fundamental system set out under the constitution.

As part of a raft of measures, Mr Lee said the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee will be renamed the Constitution & the Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee to underline the importance the Government attaches to the promotion of the constitution.

To further preserve the dignity of the regional flag and the regional emblem as a symbol of the Hong Kong SAR, the Government will introduce into the Legislative Council (LegCo) amendments to the Regional Flag & Regional Emblem Ordinance within the current legislative year to align with the National Flag & National Emblem Ordinance and the National Anthem Ordinance.

To ensure faithful adherence to the legislative intent of the National Security Law, the Government will further strengthen the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security by pressing ahead with the preparatory work for the enactment of legislation to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law, legislating for the regulation of online and offline crowdfunding activities, making laws for enhancing cybersecurity of critical infrastructure, and completing the consultancy study on addressing the issue of false information for policy consideration.

In its effort to implement “patriots administering Hong Kong”, the Government will strictly adhere to the improved electoral system in organising various elections in accordance with the law. Patriots aspiring to participate in politics and policy debates will be given the opportunity to be elected in a fair, just and open manner.

Moreover, Mr Lee noted that the Government will, on the basis of integrity and competence, draw widely on outstanding individuals who love the motherland and Hong Kong and with resolute stance, strong governance capabilities and the passion to serve the community into the Government and various committees and public bodies.

“I will strengthen and implement the executive‑led structure and continue to explore ways to foster constructive and interactive relationships between the executive and the legislature.

“The Ante Chamber exchange sessions will be refined to strengthen exchanges with members of LegCo, so as to achieve better collaboration in policy formulation.

“Together, we can enhance our governing capability by following through decisions made after informed discussion.”

On the topic of reinforcing the core value of the rule of law, the Government vows to safeguard independent judicial power by fully supporting the Judiciary in exercising its judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and protecting and supporting judges, prosecutors and legal practitioners in discharging their duties.

The Chief Executive outlined plans to establish the Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education with the aim of launching a new “Rule of Law Education Train‑the‑Trainers Programme” for promoting consistent and correct messages on the rule of law in the community.

Mr Lee said that national strategies including the 14th Five‑Year Plan, the Greater Bay Area development and the Belt & Road Initiative have injected continuous impetus to the growth of Hong Kong.

“Our priority is to reinforce our position as an international financial centre, and promote the development of two emerging industries, namely innovation and technology and arts and culture. At the same time, we will continue to play our role as an international trade centre and fully capitalise on our shipping and aviation development to enhance our functions in the regional supply chain.

“We will also continue to enhance our strengths in legal services and develop Hong Kong into a regional intellectual property trading centre.”

The Chief Executive emphasised that the Government will actively participate in the development of major platforms for Guangdong‑Hong Kong‑Macao co‑operation, including Qianhai of Shenzhen, Nansha of Guangzhou, Hengqin of Zhuhai and the Shenzhen‑Hong Kong Lok Ma Chau Loop.

He added that it also plans to establish the Steering Group on Integration into National Development. It will be tasked with formulating work plans and priorities with a view to fostering a greater flow of people, goods, capital and information within the bay area.

The group will also formulate strategic plans for Hong Kong to dovetail with the 14th Five‑Year Plan and the bay area development.

In addition to strengthening regional co‑operation mechanisms with Mainland provinces and municipalities and monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the implementation of collaborative projects, the task force will proactively promote high‑quality development of co‑operation between Hong Kong and the Belt & Road countries in trade and commerce, professional services and cultural exchanges.