President Hu Jintao's visit to Hong Kong not only provided him
with an opportunity to witness the historic moments of the Special
Administrative Region's (SAR) 10th anniversary but also to sum up
the implementation of "one country, two systems" in the
territory.
Following the phenomenal progress over the last 10 years, Hong
Kong people will now be able to embark on a new mission with more
confidence and with their heads held high.
The 10 years since the reunification saw the emergence of a new
Hong Kong.
The HKSAR has scripted a "new" story in the sense that the novel
system of "one country, two systems" has been firmly established
and has received huge support and recognition of Hong Kong people
and the international community.
"New" because the process of democratization moved forward in a
gradual and orderly manner, enabling Hongkongers to become the
master of their own destiny and to manage the affairs within the
scope of the SAR's autonomy.
"New" because the city was increasingly integrated with the
mainland and has found more room for economic development and new
business opportunities.
Hong Kong took on new outlooks in various social aspects. That
the SAR needs stability, harmony and development has become the
mainstream opinion. Hong Kong people's national identity and pride
are on the rise.
As an SAR and separate customs territory, Hong Kong has been
able to widen its participation in international and regional
affairs and expanded its external connection.
Just as President Hu said, in the course of human history, 10
years is but a fleeting moment, but to the cause of "one country,
two systems", the past decade had been one of the unprecedented
creations.
Now Hong Kong stands at a new starting point, looking forward to
enormous development opportunities as well as challenges. Having
reaped its harvest from the past 10 years, the HKSAR is ready to
sow the seeds for a new season.
President Hu said that the territory's 10 years of enviable
achievements on economic and social fronts and in international
affairs have laid a firm foundation for the city's future
development.
Summing up the invaluable lessons drawn from the "one country,
two systems", Hu said that this experience would serve as the key
guiding principle for Hong Kong's future.
Riding on such solid foundation, the people have high hopes for
and full confidence in the HKSAR's development in the next decade
and beyond.
(China Daily July 2, 2007)