"One country, two systems” is an integral concept. That “one country” precedes “two systems” lays bare their relationship and inseparability. To accurately define the framework and the relationship between the two, we must touch on two aspects.

Since its reunification with the motherland, Hong Kong has witnessed a slew of social disputes and disorders, chiefly stemming from the attempts by some quarters of society to sever “two systems” from “one country”, or even to resist “one country” under the pretext of “two systems”.

(President Xi Jinping explained) “‘One country’ is the premise and basis of ‘two systems’, and ‘two systems’ is subordinate to and derived from ‘one country’”

The promotion and presentation of “one country, two systems” was incomplete and faulty during a long period before and after Hong Kong’s return in 1997. There was an overemphasis on “Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong” and “a high degree of autonomy”; and it was stressed that the central government would not intervene in the local affairs of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region while providing Hong Kong dependable support whenever necessary. It was even said that “the well water does not mix with the river water”. Such assertions are incomplete, though not completely faulty. The incomplete understanding of the “one country, two systems” framework has created a misconception that Hong Kong only has rights to enjoy whereas the central government and the Chinese mainland only have responsibilities to fulfill toward the HKSAR. Taking advantage of this misconception, people with ulterior motives have resisted the constitutional power vested in the central government in the name of “counter-intervention”. By severing “two systems” from “one country”, they are resisting “one country”.

In fact, likening the relationship between “one country” and “two systems” to that between well water and river water is an imprecise metaphor. The mainland and Hong Kong are two sides of the same coin; so are the central government and the SAR government. Keen observers should have noticed that ever since the convening of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, “one country, two systems” has been elaborated on from both the national and Hong Kong perspectives. For instance, “safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao” was emphasized in the 18th CPC National Congress; “exercise the central government’s power in accordance with the law, ensure a high degree of autonomy in accordance with the law” in the fourth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee; “it is imperative for the central government’s overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy to be melded in an organic way” in the 19th CPC National Congress. These expressions share a common feature, that is, the “country” comes before “Hong Kong”. In other words, “two systems” exists only when “one country” exists; and national interests must be given top priority when implementing “one country, two systems”.                                                                   

The central government has repeatedly emphasized that “one country, two systems” must be implemented accurately and fully. At the ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, President Xi Jinping elaborated on the relationship between “one country” and “two systems”. “‘One country’ is the premise and basis of ‘two systems’, and ‘two systems’ is subordinate to and derived from ‘one country’”. “‘One country’ is like the roots of a tree. For a tree to grow tall and luxuriant, its roots must run deep and strong”, Xi explained. His remarks should have helped people correctly understand the relationship between “one country” and “two systems”, and clarified the authentic definition of the framework.

The expressions might be varied. But they are all based on the same principle. “Adhering to the ‘one country’ principle while respecting the differences between ‘two systems’, “making full use of the motherland’s support and the SAR’s competitive edges”, and “making good use of the advantages of ‘one country, two systems’” — expressions like these are all derived from the same principle.

Deng Xiaoping had repeatedly reminded Hong Kong people: The socialist mainland is both the main body and foundation of the “one country, two systems” framework; “it wouldn’t work without this premise”, and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability wouldn’t last if the country’s main body has its political institution changed. “One country, two systems” wouldn’t be possible without giving full consideration to these two aspects.

The author is a veteran current affairs commentator. 

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.