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Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Liu Jinsong Elaborates on the White Paper Titled "Hong Kong Democratic Progress under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" to Embassies of Thailand and the DPRK in China

2021-12-22 20:20

On December 21, 2021, Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Foreign Ministry Liu Jinsong elaborated on the white paper titled "Hong Kong Democratic Progress under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems" and the democratic progress in Hong Kong during his meeting with Thai Ambassador to China Arthayudh Srisamoot and Minister of the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in China Jong Hyon U.

Liu said that upon the successful completion of the election for the seventh-term Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Chinese government released the white paper titled "Hong Kong Democratic Progress under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems". The white paper presents a comprehensive review of the origin and development of democracy in Hong Kong, deeply clarifies the Central Government's principled stance on supporting Hong Kong in developing a democratic system that suits its reality, and fully showcases bright prospects of democracy in Hong Kong under the "one country, two systems". It is worth a careful read by everyone who cares about Hong Kong and democracy.

Liu said that if we look back on history, the Western powers widely imposed colonization on Asia and trampled upon democracy and human rights on these lands, causing deep wounds and lasting distress in many Asian countries. Under British colonial rule, there was no democracy in Hong Kong at all. Britain did not bring any genuine democracy to Hong Kong; instead, it laid hidden snares for the development of democracy in Hong Kong after its return to China. It was after the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong that it started to embrace a new era of democracy. The Chinese government designed, created, safeguarded and advanced the HKSAR's system of democracy. The establishment of democratic institutions and the exercise of democracy in Hong Kong would not have been possible had China not resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. It would not have been possible without the deep concern of the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government for the people of Hong Kong, and without their commitment to the principle of One Country, Two Systems.

Liu said that there is no one-size-fits-all democratic standard or a unified democratic model in this world. Diverse democratic practices in Asian countries and their unique values of democracy are attributed to Asian civilizations that last for thousands of years and their diversified development paths. We never need the West to be our democracy "preacher". However, some forces with ulterior motives condescendingly criticized the HKSAR's institutions in the name of "democracy". They even subverted and undermined the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong in an attempt to grab the SAR's jurisdiction and stage a color revolution. As the Thai saying goes, "a soft persimmon to your face, a hardwood behind your back". Some forces do not really care about democracy in Hong Kong. Their real purpose is to interfere in China's domestic affairs and hold back China's development. Many Asian countries also endure the same suffering in this regard. Asian countries share the same concerns and strong will in protecting state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national dignity. We believe that Asian countries will fully understand and support the Chinese government's efforts to safeguard our state sovereignty, security, development interests, and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Liu said that the Chinese government will continue to implement the principle of One Country, Two Systems fully and faithfully, and it will support Hong Kong in developing a democratic system that conforms to the region's constitutional status and actual conditions. We firmly oppose any external forces interfering in Hong Kong's affairs. We will continue consolidating the positive momentum of resuming governance after the turmoil and advancing towards stability and sound development in Hong Kong. With the Hong Kong National Security Law coming into force, and with improvements to the electoral system, governance by patriots will be further strengthened, the rule of law and the business environment will continue to improve, Hong Kong will become a more harmonious society, and the legal interests of Asian countries in Hong Kong will be better protected. We wish and believe that Asian countries will continue supporting China's stance on issues concerning Hong Kong. We also look forward to deepening cooperation with Asian countries and building a bright future together in Hong Kong, a land full of vitality.

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