Beijing's promises of "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," as well as "a high degree of autonomy" attest to its endorsement of and respect for the territory's pursuit of democracy, while "the process is vital to democracy," China Daily HK Edition said Saturday.

In a commentary titled "Democracy bid must proceed step by step" the newspaper said that after reprinting on Friday Deng Xiaoping's 1984 reading of the "one country, two systems" formula he had masterminded for Hong Kong, the Central government reiterated what is obvious in the relationship between any government of a sovereign state and a part of its territory. That is, local autonomy derives from central authorization.

It said the apparent discrepancy between some of Hong Kong's democracy advocates and Beijing over universal voting practices, which prompted the latter to reissue the late leader's principles on the matter, shows the pressing need for political wisdom essential to keeping Hong Kong stable and prosperous.

"The Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the territory's mini-constitution, honors the two pledges in thorough documents for local democratic evolution."

The commentary said that in the law's two appendices, on election of the region's chief executive and formulation of the Legislative Council respectively, there is the wording that any attempts to change current procedures after 2007 should proceed "in an orderly manner and step-by-step."

Beijing has done everything in its capacity to help Hong Kong retain its appeal to international investment. Anything destructive to Hong Kong would not be in Beijing's interests, it said.

"Its latest call to stick to the basics of 'one country, two systems' reflected a strong desire for a common ground in the debates about democratic development in Hong Kong," it noted.

Such a common ground is fundamental for a constructive relationship between Hong Kong and Beijing. And Beijing's legitimate concern should be heeded by all in Hong Kong, stressed the commentary.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 21, 2004)