President outlines goals for future of 'one country, two systems' framework

President Xi Jinping's recent speech celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland has set clear goals for the future of the "one country, two systems" framework, officials from the central government and the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao said on Thursday.

Xi's remarks, delivered on Dec 20, were hailed as a blueprint for advancing the governance model, according to Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies in Beijing, Xia said the president affirmed the success of "one country, two systems" in Macao and outlined key principles for its continued implementation.

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The speech reaffirmed the central government's unwavering commitment to the comprehensive and accurate application of 'one country, two systems' and will guide the future development of Hong Kong and Macao, Xia said.

There were also two branch venues for the seminar in Hong Kong and Macao.

Xi praised Macao's achievements since its return to Chinese sovereignty in 1999, describing the "one country, two systems" framework as a model with distinct institutional strengths and remarkable vitality.

Xia emphasized that the framework aligns with the core interests of Hong Kong and Macao and has the support of residents in both regions. He added that it serves the interests of the nation, meets global investors' needs, and has been broadly recognized internationally.

In his speech, Xi outlined four principles for the sustainable practice of "one country, two systems". Xia highlighted two major tasks emphasized by the president: maintaining high-level security and promoting high-quality development.

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Hong Kong and Macao must serve as "internal connectors" and "external communicators", Xia said, to fully leverage the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems" and enhance their global standing.

He called for fostering patriotism while embracing cultural diversity, promoting integration and exchange, and building a broad united front to support the governance framework both at home and abroad.

In a social media post after the seminar, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Xi's guidance for Macao could also apply to Hong Kong.

He urged the city to capitalize on its unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to drive economic growth, improve governance and strengthen its role as an international bridge.

Lee stressed the need for Hong Kong to maintain social harmony, unite different sectors and build a more prosperous future.

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In Macao, Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai pledged to align the city with Xi's vision, emphasizing Macao's unique role in advancing the governance framework.

Legislative Assembly President Kou Hoi-in called on residents to deepen their understanding of Xi's speech and support the SAR's leadership in promoting the rule of law and integrating Macao into national development plans.

Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com