The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature,on March 11th adopted a decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR by an overwhelming majority vote during the fourth session of the 13th NPC, which have drawn wide attention. This is a major event in the political life of the people in Hong Kong, as well as a crucial step towards the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems". But it is regrettable that some countries interfere in China’s internal affairs and interpret the said decision maliciously and call black white. On this decision, I have some key points of view to share with the Tanzanian friends.
I. Improving the electoral system in HKSAR is imperative and urgent. During the 150+ years of colonialism, there was no democracy in Hong Kong of China and its people did not even have the right to march on the streets. It was only after reunification with the motherland that Hong Kong had really started development of democracy. The Chinese Central Government has steadily promoted the development of Hong Kong's democratic political system and ensured that Hong Kong residents enjoy unprecedented democratic rights and freedoms in accordance with the law.
However, in recent years, the electoral system of the HKSAR has shown some defects. With the support of some external forces, The anti-China rioters and"Hong Kong independence elements have been trying to capitalize on these defects to challenge the constitutional order of the HKSAR and jeopardize the national sovereignty and security of China. The political security and social stability of HKSAR have been threatened as never before due to the unsound electoral system. Therefore, the Chinese Central Government believes it is extremely urgent to revise and improve the electoral system of the HKSAR. and let patriots govern Hong Kong, so as to ensure the full and faithful implementation of "one country, two systems". This initiative has been echoed and supported by people from all walks of life in HKSAR.
II. Improving the electoral system in HKSAR is justified and reasonable. Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China. The design, development and improvement of the electoral system in HKSAR is an inviolable right of the Central Government. That the Central Government decides the electoral system of regions is the common legal system and political bottom line of all unitary states.
It is a basic political ethic that the jurisdiction of Hong Kong must be in the hands of patriots. Over the past 20 years and more since Hong Kongs reunification with the motherland, facts have proved that a small number of anti-China rioters in Hong Kong will only bring destruction, turbulence and terror to Hong Kong. Is there any country in the world that would give the jurisdiction of any part of its territory to the hands of those who advocate or engage in separatist activities to undermine the fundamental interests of the country? Only patriots can truly strive for the well-being of Hong Kong people, bring prosperity and stability to HongKong, and promote the common development of Hong Kong and the motherland.
Ill. Improving the electoral system in HKSAR is constitutional and lawful. The Constitution of the People's Republic of China stipulates that the National People's Congress of China has the right to decide on the establishment and system of special administrative regions, which also includes the electoral system. What's more, some provisions of the Basic Law of Hong Kong establishes that Hong Kong will finally realize the goal of general elections for the Chief Executive and the Legislative Council(Leg Co). Improving the electoral system in HKSAR this time does not modify these provisions in the slightest. That said, the goal of general elections in Hong Kong hasn't changed at all.
In fact, some anti-China groups backed by foreign forces in Hong Kong have jeopardized constitutional order and rule of law in Hong Kong and national security of China. Improving the electoral system in HKSAR is precisely to maintain the authority of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, so that the development of democracy in Hong Kong can return to the correct track determined by the Basic Law of Hong Kong.
IV As we always say, justice will prevail. On March 5, a joint statement from 70 countries including Tanzania was delivered at the 46th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, reiterating their support for China's"one country, two systems"principle and measures taken in relation to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The principle of Non-interference in other's internal affairs remains the cornerstone of the international law, which will never fade.
Every country has the right to explore its own political system and democratic form which suit its own national conditions. As Tanzania choose the unique Union Government System to maintain national unity and social-economic development, the Chinese people has adopted for “One country, two systems” which has been playing an important roles In safeguarding national sovereignty, security, development interests and Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.
The decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR conforms the policy of “one country, two systems”, meets the realities in HKSAR and serves to ensure that Hong Kong is administered by people ho love the country and love Hong Kong. We hold a firm belief that patriots administering Hong Kong is conducive to maintaining stability and promoting prosperity in Hong Kong.