On Thursday, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivered a speech at a thematic seminar focused on studying and implementing President Xi Jinping’s speech at the event commemorating the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China. Xia highlighted the essence of Xi’s speech, emphasizing that its core principles equally apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, adding that both SARs must uphold the “one country, two systems” framework and learn from and inspire each other.
Xia stressed that the concepts of “one country” and “two systems” are organically unified, with “one country” serving as the root and foundation while “two systems” enrich and enhance “one country”.
He said that while Hong Kong is to retain the uniqueness afforded by “two systems”, it must never endanger “one country” or engage in acts that endanger the SAR’s constitutional foundation. Such erroneous actions could fundamentally harm the SAR. Xia pointed out that safeguarding high-level security and promoting high-quality development are two critical tasks that must be handled in tandem to advance the practice of “one country, two systems”. He said that integrating national security (the top priority) with development (the foremost task) reflects practical and pressing concerns.
During the riots in 2019-20, widespread violence seriously endangered the safety of ordinary residents: People were burned alive, killed by flying bricks, or beaten with umbrellas just because their views differed from those of the rioters. This explains why Xia placed an emphasis on safeguarding security.
Xia also noted the important mission of “one country, two systems” in the new era as outlined by Xi in his speech, urging the SARs to seize opportunities, pursue bold reforms, and take proactive actions to speed up high-quality development.
Since the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China decided in its third plenary session in July to further deepen comprehensive reforms, “pursuing reform” has gradually become a consensus in the Hong Kong SAR. As 2025 begins — a year deemed the “Year of Reform” — Hong Kong must come up with a comprehensive blueprint for reform, including details of strategies, pathways and timelines.
Xia also highlighted Xi’s earnest hope that Hong Kong will seize opportunities, pursue bold reforms and take proactive actions. This serves as both a reminder and a call to action. The SAR government must respond actively; the chief executive, as the primary individual responsible for the governance of the SAR, should demonstrate accountability and determination. The Hong Kong SAR normally publishes two major policy documents every year — the Budget plan, usually released at the end of February, and the Policy Address in early October. If reform is to be achieved, it requires liberation from outdated mindsets and traditions. Should the chief executive consider formulating a reform blueprint at an appropriate time this year instead of waiting until October? If Hong Kong continues on well-trodden paths, reform is not going to get anywhere.
Xia also elaborated on the “three points of expectation” and “four points of hope” that Xi expressed in his speech, noting that these are equally applicable to Hong Kong. It was particularly interesting to note Xi’s call to “focus on economic growth, pursue development, and prioritize construction” and to “leverage unique advantages to strengthen internal integration and external connectivity”.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic receded, Hong Kong’s economy has been undergoing transformation. The city urgently needs to concentrate on economic growth and development. In this regard, Hong Kong must break down barriers and loosen restrictions such as abusive judicial reviews obstructing land development. If Hong Kong does not fully and comprehensively resolve this “tripwire”, all of its developmental ambitions will remain hollow promises. As long as vested interests or those with ulterior motives file judicial review cases, a single judge’s ruling could bring any of the SAR government’s projects to an immediate halt. The financial and temporal losses due to judicial reviews ultimately burden society as a whole. This is an immensely frustrating situation.
More ironically, judges may direct the Legal Aid Department to promptly provide funding to judicial review applicants who are trying to obstruct Hong Kong’s development. This would mean that public funds are being used to hinder Hong Kong’s development, a situation that fits the saying of “lifting a rock only to drop it on one’s foot”.
Regarding internal and external connectivity, Hong Kong is the only city in China that practices common law. Moreover, the English proficiency of Hong Kong’s professionals remains high, and they are adept at engaging with foreign entities, particularly in the West. In light of the impending inauguration of a new US president amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry, Hong Kong residents should capitalize on these advantages to maintain external connections, especially with the communities in the West, to mitigate the disruptive effects of anti-China politicians in Western countries.
However, a misconception needs to be dispelled. Overseas anti-China forces often claim that Hong Kong has become unattractive to Western investors because of the implementation of two national security laws. This is patently false. First, Western nations themselves have national security laws, some of which have harsher penalties — including a death penalty — compared to Hong Kong’s laws. More critically, Westerners visiting Hong Kong to engage in commerce or civil exchanges have nothing to worry about as long as they do not endanger China’s national security. Those critics’ implicit argument is that Hong Kong must turn a blind eye to actions that threaten national security and allow itself to become a “spy hub” to attract foreign investment. Such an implication is completely untenable. Historically, the US has prided itself on being an open society, attracting global talent and resources without ever compromising its national security. The point bears repeating: Without security, there can be no development.
Xia’s timely and thorough exposition of Xi’s speech serves as both a wake-up call and a source of encouragement for Hong Kong to pursue necessary reforms. The city’s reform and development efforts must go beyond merely seeking consensus and chanting slogans; they must translate into real, tangible actions. Addressing existing barriers to development and ensuring smoother external connectivity must become priority areas for Hong Kong’s reform initiatives.
The author is a former information coordinator of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
