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Following is the translation of speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Symposium in Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Basic Law of the HKSAR today (April 1):
Ms Ko, ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to attend the Symposium in Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Basic Law of the HKSAR organised by the Joint Committee for the Promotion of the Basic Law of Hong Kong. The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China is the constitutional framework which institutionalises the unprecedented concept of "One Country, Two Systems" and the high degree of autonomy conferred upon the HKSAR by the Central Authorities. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law. On this historic occasion, it is timely for us to review the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", and explore the implications for the future.
"Peaceful reunification" according to the "One Country, Two Systems" concept represents an overriding national objective. Under the "One China" principle, the socialist and capitalist systems coexist. "One Country, Two Systems" certainly meets the needs of Hong Kong. It guarantees Hong Kong's long term prosperity and stability. It accords with the interest of the country and lays a firm foundation for the early reunification of the country.
On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was returned to China and established as the first Special Administrative Region of the country. In accordance with the Basic Law, we have established the HKSAR Government and realised the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and "a high degree of autonomy". Our lifestyle and social system remain unchanged. The well established executive, legislative and judicial systems continue to function effectively. Hong Kong society continues with its smooth and steady development. These are facts which the international community have witnessed.
Over the past two and a half years, the Central Government has been committed to the faithful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and "a high degree of autonomy". All central, provincial and municipal authorities, as well as offices representing departments of the Central Government in Hong Kong, have strictly abide by the Basic Law and have never interfered in the affairs within the autonomies of the HKSAR. The HKSAR Government has discharged its functions strictly according to the Basic Law and has exercised the high degree of autonomy under its constitutional protection.
Following reunification, the HKSAR continues to take an active part in activities organised by international organisations and maintains its external links as a Special Administrative Region. In my last two Policy Addresses, I have emphasised that Hong Kong must position itself clearly as a major Chinese city as well as a world city of Asia. The HKSAR Government will continue to promote the external affairs of the HKSAR to complement our role as an international financial, trade and shipping centre, and to consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international cosmopolitan city.
After reunification, we have had to face a number of challenges, in particular the Asian financial turmoil. We took decisive and resolute measures. With the perseverance of the entire community, our financial market has retained stability and maintained steady development. The economy has moved out of recession and has resumed a steady growth path. I am absolutely confident that the HKSAR is well equipped to meet the new challenges flowing from a globalised economy and the accelerating advances in information technology, to grasp new opportunities and to scale new heights.
For "One Country, Two Systems" to be successful, we must have a clear understanding of both "one country" and "two systems", and be able to appreciate the relationship between the two. I would like to highlight three specific points. First of all, the HKSAR is established in accordance with Article 31 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of China. We must gain a clear appreciation of HKSAR within the context of the Chinese Constitution and the inter-relationship of the Central Government and the HKSAR Government.
The Basic Law constitutes the legal foundation of the "One Country, Two Systems" concept. It is not only the constitutional law of the HKSAR, but also a national law. It has legal force throughout China. Under the Basic Law, the common law which was previously in force in Hong Kong, and which is very different from the law which applies in the Mainland, shall be maintained in the HKSAR. Thus, the Basic Law provides the interface between these two different legal systems. In understanding the legal system of the HKSAR, we should also foster a better understanding of the Mainland legal system.
The Basic Law is the constitutional law of the HKSAR. It stipulates the systems and policies of the HKSAR, including the social and economic systems, the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of the residents, the executive, legislative and judicial systems, and the relevant policies. No law enacted by the legislature of the HKSAR shall contravene the Basic Law.
The Basic Law concerns all of us in the HKSAR. It guarantees that no personal freedoms enjoyed by the residents of the HKSAR will be violated. It protects the property rights of both individuals and legal persons; it safeguards all other rights which are accorded to HKSAR residents under our laws. Neither the judicial and legal profession nor the academia have exclusive ownership of the Basic Law. The Basic Law belongs to every resident of the HKSAR. It is in our interest, and will be conducive to the development of the HKSAR, for all of us to gain a better appreciation of the Basic Law.
"One Country, Two Systems" is a novel concept, which is unprecedented in history. In the early stages of the implementation of the Basic Law, inevitably we will encounter some problems. We will listen closely to opinions in the community and build on our experience in charting the future course of "One Country, Two Systems" and the full implementation of the Basic Law.
It is my firm belief that with the joint efforts of the Government and the community, we will be able to promote wider understanding of the Basic Law. The experience we have accumulated thus far will help to foster a wider consensus and strengthen the foundation of the rule of law for the HKSAR.
It is now clear that the "One Country, Two Systems" concept can be implemented. Following the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macau to China, I earnestly hope that the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong will contribute to the reunification of the country.
Thank you very much.
Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa attended the "Symposium in commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Basic Law of the HKSAR" at the Furama Hotel. Picture shows Mr Tung delivering a speech at the symposium.
End/Saturday, April 1, 2000
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