Braving rising COVID-19 cases and a looming tropical storm, President Xi Jinping made a two-day inspection tour of Hong Kong on June 30 and July 1, during which he attended celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to the motherland and presided over the swearing-in of principal officials of the sixth-term administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Xi made an important keynote speech on July 1, which sent powerful messages concerning “one country, two systems” to Hong Kong, Macao and the world.

The president’s speech echoes many key points he had made about “one country, two systems” and Hong Kong’s future development when he came to the SAR in 2017. But, his messages this time are even deeper and more pregnant with meaning.

Xi’s elaboration of the principles underlying “one country, two systems”, and his exhortations to Hong Kong five years on, reflect the deep thinking that has taken place following the social unrest in Hong Kong in 2019 and 2020. Hong Kong could not have risen from the ashes, but for the legislative measures and institutional changes the central authorities have introduced to fortify “one country, two systems” from internal unrest and external machinations.

Hong Kong’s ability to triumph over adversity, with the Chinese mainland’s support, and allowing the central authorities to grasp that “one country, two systems” is truly a work in progress. It has manifested tremendous power of self-renewal, and an ability to thrive and revive in stressful conditions.

Against this background, Xi confirmed that “one country, two systems” is a tried and tested system that best serves the interests of the country, the Chinese people, Hong Kong and Macao. For that reason, he declared there’s no good reason to change it.

With “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong having reached its halfway mark, there have been doubts about whether the principle could continue “beyond 50 years unchanged” as stated in Article 5 of the Basic Law. Xi’s assurance of the nation’s unswerving, long-term commitment to Hong Kong has put paid to any shades of gray, and is a powerful vote of confidence in Hong Kong’s future.

Xi gave the SAR another shot in the arm by commending the city for the “irreplaceable” contributions it has made to the country’s rapid and stable economic development since the launch of China’s reforms and opening-up. Always willing to forge ahead to test new grounds, Hong Kong people have played a unique role as an important bridge and a window linking the mainland with the world. Xi is absolutely right that, as Hong Kong achieves greater convergence with the country’s developmental strategy, it’ll be able to play an even bigger role by leveraging its high level of freedom and openness, and convergence with international norms and best practices. Hong Kong will be able to manifest its unique abilities on a much greater global stage.

In his speech, Xi addressed all the stakeholders in Hong Kong’s community, including the city’s top governance team, Chinese compatriots, as well as “Hong Kong residents”, including those of different ethnic or national backgrounds who have made Hong Kong their home.

To the SAR’s chief executive and this top government team, with whom Xi has charged with the foremost responsibility for running Hong Kong, Xi spelt out “four musts” for ensuring the continuous smooth implementation of “one country, two systems”, and “four proposals” in Hong Kong’s future development.

The “four musts” are based on Xi’s deep understanding of the headwinds that have threatened to push Hong Kong off the right course in implementing “one country, two systems”. To put Hong Kong’s future on the right footing, a comprehensive and accurate understanding of “one country, two systems”, integration of the central authorities’ comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong with the region’s high level of autonomy, putting patriots in charge and maintaining Hong Kong’s unique advantages are fundamental.

The “four proposals” are de facto directives for building a better future for Hong Kong  — improving the level of governance; striving continuously to bolster Hong Kong’s developmental capacity; acting decisively to resolve the people’s livelihood problems; and, last but not least, working together to build harmony and stability.

I’m particularly impressed by the way Xi has sent his messages to all members of Hong Kong society. The message to “Hong Kong residents”, as distinguished from Chinese compatriots, is significant. The president pledged that all Hong Kong residents, irrespective of their occupation and beliefs, can play an active role in building a better Hong Kong as long as they cherish Hong Kong as their home, truly support “one country, two systems” and abide by the Basic Law and the SAR’s laws.

Summing up his observations on implementing “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong, Xi laid out a renewed vision for the region’s future — with patriots as the backbone of Hong Kong’s governance and the values underscoring “one country, two systems” as the mainstream of our society, there’ll be diversity in unity, pluralism, mutual tolerance, inclusiveness — all the hallmarks of a free and open society that have sustained Hong Kong. Xi also believes that as long as Hong Kong can keep up with its “can-do”, enterprising spirit, the city will be able to scale new heights as part of the resurgent Chinese nation.

Xi’s speech offers the people in Hong Kong infinite opportunities. As the president pointed out, the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is an irreversible trend. Hong Kong people can realize bigger dreams and pull off greater achievements by becoming part of a bigger whole. We’re very fortunate to be strategically located at the crossroads between the Chinese mainland and the world.

Accelerating the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative offers Hong Kong unique opportunities. Building on our traditional advantages of freedom, openness and international convergence, Hong Kong has a long way to go as a highly treasured member of the reinvigorated Team China.

The author is convenor of the Executive Council and a legislator.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.