Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and vice-premier of the State Council, attends the 2023 World Chinese Language Conference and delivers a keynote speech in Beijing, capital of China, Dec 9, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang called on Hong Kong to enhance the city’s patriotic education, which is fundamental for the steady implementation of “one country, two systems”, and achieve greater development with its unique strengths.

Ding made his remarks on Thursday morning when attending a meeting with Hong Kong delegates sitting in the nation’s top legislature – the National People’s Congress, in Beijing.

NPC Deputy Wong Kam-leung suggested deepening patriotic education in Hong Kong  during the meeting with Ding, citing the example of President Xi Jinping’s written response to students in Pui Kiu Middle School last year

The vice-premier, who chairs the Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, urges the Hong Kong delegates to further strengthen patriotic education in the city, saying it is a fundamental issue for better implementing the principle of “one country, two systems”.

READ MORE: HK to boost patriotic education, Chinese culture appreciation

Ding said if patriotic education is not successful in Hong Kong, the education system will not be able to achieve its purpose, according to legislators at the meeting.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Starry Lee Wai-king, a member of the NPC Standing Committee, said Ding cares about the implementation of patriotic education in Hong Kong. The vice-premier also called for more Hong Kong young people to engage in national development and give full play to their own advantages, which will provide them with more opportunities for upward mobility, Lee said.

NPC Deputy Wong Kam-leung suggested deepening patriotic education in Hong Kong  during the meeting with Ding, citing the example of President Xi Jinping’s written response to students in Pui Kiu Middle School last year. It led to an enthusiastic reaction in the city and made more Hong Kong people think about how to cultivate young people’s national affirmation, Wong said.

Ma Fung-kwok, head of the Hong Kong delegation to the NPC, said Ding told them the central government applauds Hong Kong’s achievements and that the city’s hard-won progress in development and improving people’s livelihood debunks pessimistic views of Hong Kong’s prospects.

Another NPC deputy, Brave Chan Yung, said Ding requires Hong Kong to achieve greater development by maintaining and consolidating its long-standing prowess in finance, trade and shipping, while promoting emerging industries such as innovation technology.

READ MORE: Patriotic education law to be promoted in Hong Kong, Macao

Ding also said Hong Kong should vigorously expand international exchanges, as a window of the nation’s opening up, and participate in national strategies to have complementary advantages with the Chinese mainland.

Ronick Chan Chun-ying, a finance sector lawmaker and NPC deputy, highlighted Dings warm feelings for Hong Kong and his repeated emphasis on the central government’s high regard for the city’s status as an international financial center. He said Ding would also welcome suggestions on Hong Kong’s role as an offshore RMB business hub.

Rock Chen Chung-nin, another Hong Kong NPC deputy, said Ding emphasized that in addition to continuing relationships with old friends such as Europe and the United States, Hong Kong should also forge new connections with countries and regions engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as those in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Contact the writer at lindaxi@chinadailyhk.com