2nd LD Writethru: Hong Kong faces new opportunities in 2017: central government official

Year 2017 is of special significance to Hong Kong, said Zhang Xiaoming, director of the Liaison Office of the Chinese Central People's Government in Hong Kong, on Thursday.

In 2017, Hong Kong will celebrate the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will elect a government, thus ushering in a new phase and new opportunities for Hong Kong's development, Zhang said.

"We sincerely hope that the HKSAR government functions well, Hong Kong people live in harmony and Hong Kong prospers in the new year," he said at a Spring Festival reception held here by the liaison office.

"We also wish that the Hong Kong society adds positive energy and promotes harmony," he said.

"To make the wishes come true, all of us should not forget our original intentions. We must always keep in mind the 'One country, Two systems' principle. We must be fully aware that the 'One country, Two systems' principle and the Basic Law are the unshakable foundations to keep Hong Kong prosperous and stable," Zhang said.

"We must properly handle the relations between the HKSAR and the central government as well as the relations between the HKSAR and the nation. We must stick to the bottom line of the principle and show mutual respect and tolerance," he said.

People from all walks of life should consider the overall situation and learn from the lessons that rising populism and serious differentiation of social classes have triggered economic crises and political turmoil in some Western countries, the official said.

They should boost mutual trust and understanding, take into account the interests of all classes and communities, and work hard to ease and solve social conflicts, he said.

People from all walks of life in Hong Kong should seize the opportunities, have a clear view of Hong Kong's position both in the national development and in the world's development with a broader prospective, give full play to their advantages, actively dovetail with the national development strategies and make accomplishments actively based on the juncture of "what the nation needs" and "what advantages Hong Kong enjoys," Zhang noted.

To make the wishes come true, the Hong Kong society should take the right path, distinguish right from wrong, respect the rule of law, and join hands to resist the tendency of "pan-politicalization," he said.

The Hong Kong society should return to its rational and pragmatic tradition, as well as openness and inclusiveness, as read the lyrics of the popular song "Below the Lion Rock" - "Set all discord aside, go after dreams together," he said.

Zhang spoke highly of the HKSAR government and the society that have handled various challenges properly and safeguarded Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

Zhang stressed that Hong Kong has experienced many ups and downs in recent years, but at the same time, people have a better understanding of how to implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the Hong Kong Basic Law comprehensively and accurately.

He highlighted that Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has led the HKSAR government to firmly implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the Hong Kong Basic Law in recent years.

Leung has made great efforts to try to solve problems in housing, poverty alleviation, care of the elderly and support for the disadvantaged, Zhang said.

The chief executive has done his utmost to foster new engines for Hong Kong's economic growth, boost Hong Kong's comprehensive competitiveness, and increase exchanges and cooperation with the Chinese mainland, he said.

The central government has highly trusted Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and has always fully acknowledged his work and the work of the HKSAR government, he said.

Zhang also highly praised the Hong Kong citizens who stood up against "Hong Kong independence," threw their support behind the interpretation to the Basic Law made by the National People's Congress Standing Committee, and stood by the HKSAR government and judicial institutions to deprive "Hong Kong independence" activists of their Legislative Council membership.

In traditional Chinese culture, when a man turns 20, there will be a coming-of-age ceremony to celebrate his transition to adulthood, Zhang said, wishing that the HKSAR, which will embrace its 20th birthday, will be more steady and vigorous and shoulder more responsibilities. Endit