20 years after its return, Hong Kong’s fortunes are linked more than ever with mainland China

Liu Xiaoming says Hong Kong’s unique ‘one country, two systems’ principle is the guarantee and best arrangement for the city’s long-term prosperity, as it benefits from being a gateway to China as well as having close ties with the UK

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Fireworks light up the sky above Victoria Harbour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, on July 1. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 2:30pm, 3 Jul 2017Updated: 7:32pm, 3 Jul 2017

On July 1, 1997, the Chinese government’s sovereignty over Hong Kong was restored, ending over 100 years of separation from the motherland and heralding a new era of development for the city.

Since then, thanks to the strong backing of the central government and the concerted efforts of 1.3 billion Chinese, Hong Kong has forged ahead to notch up remarkable achievements.

The implementation of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong has been a huge success. For 20 years, acting under the constitution and the Basic Law, the central government has stayed committed to the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a “high degree of autonomy”.

The capitalist system and way of life in Hong Kong have remained unchanged, and the legal system in general kept intact.

The huge success of “one country, two systems” has been widely recognised, not only in Hong Kong but also in the wider international community.

President Xi Jinping waves to the crowds as he wraps up his visit to Hong Kong and is seen off by Chief Executive Carrie Lam and other officials, on July 1. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong under ‘one country, two systems’ key part of Chinese dream

Hong Kong has made steady progress in democratic governance, as a result of the continuous efforts of both the central and SAR governments, in accordance with the Basic Law and the decisions of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. There is now greater democracy in the election of the chief executive and the Legislative Council, and citizens of Hong Kong enjoy unprecedented democratic rights and freedom. For years, Hong Kong has topped the world’s Human Freedom Index and its world ranking in the rule of law rose from 60th place in 1996 to 11th place in 2015.