Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor speaks at the Basic Law 30th Anniversary Legal Summit on November 17, 2020. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVT)

HONG KONG - Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said Tuesday that only by correctly understanding the relationship between "one country" and "two systems" and always acting in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, will the sustained development of "one country, two systems" be ensured.

Lam made the remarks at a legal summit organized by the Justice Department of the HKSAR government to mark the 30th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said the original purpose of "one country, two systems" have been the fundamental spirit of various policies by the central authorities for the HKSAR

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Taking account of the history and realities of Hong Kong, "one country, two systems" is designed to preserve the characteristics and strengths of HK as much as possible and to enable its residents to maintain their way of life, on the prerequisite of upholding national unity and territorial integrity, while maintaining the SAR’s prosperity and stability, Lam said when addressing the forum themed "Back to Basics."

The original purpose and mission of "one country, two systems" have never changed and have been the fundamental spirit of various policies by the central authorities for the HKSAR, Lam said, stressing that the issue of sovereignty cannot be discussed and advocating of "Hong Kong independence" cannot be tolerated.

When implementing the Basic Law, "one country" should be adhered to and the relationship between the HKSAR and the central authorities should be properly handled, Lam said, noting that the central authorities' power and a high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong should be both ensured.

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The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) has the power of interpretation of the Basic Law and the power of supervision over the law's implementation, as well as the power of resolving issues concerning the Constitution during the implementation, Lam said.

Lam cited the two issues concerning the Constitution that the HKSAR was unable to address during the past months, which involved the vacancy of the HKSAR Legislative Council (LegCo) due to the election postponement and the qualification of four LegCo members who were ruled by Returning Officers as not upholding the Basic Law and swearing allegiance to the HKSAR.

To fulfill her responsibility, Lam twice requested the central government to submit the issues to the Standing Committee of the NPC for solutions at the constitutional level.

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The practice is in line with the Constitution and the Basic Law and no slanders and smears by foreign governments or political organizations are allowed, Lam said.