BPA held Forum on “Studying the Spirit of President Xi’s Important Speech”

BPA hosted a forum to study the spirit of the important speech delivered by President Xi Jinping.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech in Hong Kong on July 1. As such, BPA hosted a forum on July 4 to study the message conveyed by President Xi. BPA members joining the forum include Peter Lam, the Executive Committee Chairman; Andrew Leung, the Honorary Chairman; Dr Lo Wai Kwok, the Chairman; Jeffrey Lam and Dr Priscilla Leung, the Vice Chairmen. Besides, Benson Luk, the Vice Chairman of the BPA Committee on Youth; Sunny Tan, Legislative Council Member and other members from the BPA Committee on Youth, professional committees and regional districts also joined the event. All members actively shared their learnings of President Xi’s speech. Furthermore, they discussed how they would weave the gist of President Xi’s address into the fabric of their work to better address Hong Kong’s economy, quality of life, youth and housing affairs.

Peter Lam, the Executive Committee Chairman, shared his thought about President Xi’s speech. Firstly, “One Country, Two Systems” would be maintained in the long run. This certainly gives Hong Kong great reassurance, which deeply encourages people from all walks of life in Hong Kong. Secondly, the “four musts” indicate a clear direction for implementing “One Country, Two Systems” steadily. President Xi supports Hong Kong in maintaining its distinctive status as an international financial, shipping, and trading center. He also endorses the continuity of the common law system in Hong Kong, to significantly enhance investors’ confidence. Thirdly, the speech placed ardent expectations not only on the government but also on society at large. President Xi has pointed out the direction for the future development of Hong Kong. Urging Hong Kong to continue to create a strong impetus for growth, President Xi expects the city to solve the structural societal problems and maintain social unity earnestly. Showing his genuine care for the youth of Hong Kong, President Xi specifically mentioned that special attention to the needs of young people must be paid. BPA would pave the way in its best efforts for the younger generation to fulfil their goals, helping them to succeed and contribute to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). 

Andrew Leung, the Honorary Chairman, indicated that President Xi had told us that “One Country, Two Systems” has no reason to be changed. He hoped all BPA members would do their best to convey this vital message to society. In particular, President Xi stressed that the executive authorities and the legislature must cooperate, despite having checks and balances in place. Furthermore, the judiciary must exercise its power independently in accordance with the law. Mr Leung agreed that the three branches of the Hong Kong government must maintain such a relationship described by President Xi. Considering the bigger picture and enhancement of governance, Hong Kong should devise good ways to fulfill the “four musts” under an executive-led system.

Dr Lo, the Chairman, mentioned that President Xi’s speech sets a definitive tone, guaranteeing “One Country, Two Systems” remaining unchanged, unshaken, intact and undistorted. It shows that there will not be any changes in 2047 as long as Hong Kong takes the right path under the “One Country, Two Systems”. The reason is that “One Country, Two Systems” is such a good policy, and we must adhere to it in the long run. Dr Lo also observed that President Xi supported the integration of the central government’s overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong. “One Country” and “Two Systems” are mutually inclusive, with “One Country” being the root of “Two Systems”.