​The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (August 10) welcomed and supported the white paper titled "The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era" (white paper) published by the Central Government.   

     Mr Chan pointed out that the one-China principle is a widely recognised norm governing international relations and an overwhelming consensus of the international community. There is only one version and one connotation of the one-China principle, that is, there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is part of China. The government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the entire China. These are indisputable facts supported by history and the law. The white paper elaborates on the position and policies of the Central Authorities on realising national reunification. Not only does it resolutely refute any misrepresentation or distortion of the facts concerned, but it also clearly shows that any attempt or act to betray the one-China principle or seek "Taiwan independence" will definitely be futile.  

     He said, "The white paper clearly states that peaceful reunification and 'One Country, Two Systems' are the country's basic principles for resolving the Taiwan question and the best approach to realising national reunification. As a matter of fact, the success of 'One Country, Two Systems' practised in Hong Kong over the past 25 years has won recognition throughout the world. The principle is the best institutional arrangement to ensure Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability after our return to the motherland, embodying the country's vision that values openness and inclusiveness and serving the fundamental interests of the whole country, the nation and Hong Kong. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will continue to fully and faithfully implement the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems', and steadfastly support and facilitate the country's efforts towards peaceful national reunification, to unwaveringly safeguard the country's sovereignty, security and development interests."

     Mr Chan stressed that the HKSAR Government will fully support and facilitate the country's safeguarding of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and resolutely handle Taiwan-related matters in accordance with the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, the one-China principle, and the Basic Principles and Policies of the Central Government regarding the Handling of Taiwan-related Matters in Hong Kong.

Ends/Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:46

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