As the nation commemorates the 120th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping’s birth, President Xi Jinping spoke of the need to endure the relevance of the late leader’s legacy.

He said the best way to honor Deng is to continue advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics - a path Deng had charted with remarkable foresight. Xi’s message was clear. China must rally around the central task of building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation by promoting Chinese-style modernization.

One of Deng’s most innovative contributions to China’s development has been “one country, two systems”, which is designed to achieve national reunification. For the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, the most fitting tribute to Deng is to draw wisdom from this visionary policy and channel that wisdom to reforms that will ensure the two SARs’ long-term stability and prosperity. By doing so, both cities can continue to contribute to national development through meaningful ways.

Deng is often celebrated as the chief architect of China’s reform and opening-up. Following the turmoil of the “cultural revolution”, he guided the Communist Party of China along a new direction at the third plenary session of the 11th Communist Party of China Central Committee in December 1978, during which the Party made the pivotal decision to shift the focus to socialist modernization from class struggle. The move to embrace reform and opening-up proved to be extraordinarily successful, setting China on a path to rapid socioeconomic development, ultimately lifting the nation from poverty and transforming it into the world’s second-largest economy.

Deng had not only paid attention to reform and opening-up. He played a crucial role in addressing the Hong Kong question. During the Sino-British negotiations on Hong Kong in the 1980s, the British side tried to propose a “sovereignty for administration” that was rejected by Deng outright. He was firm in his stance that “sovereignty is not a matter for discussion”. Deng was the chief architect of “one country, two systems”, a solution aimed at resolving the historical questions of Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao. For Deng, any resolution must prioritize the fundamental interests of national unity and the preservation of the Chinese nation. His unwavering commitment to these principles was instrumental in Hong Kong’s return to the motherland.

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Today, as we celebrate Deng’s 120th birth anniversary, we do so not merely to honor his achievements, but to draw inspiration from his wisdom for future development. The international landscape is undergoing unprecedented changes, marked by increasing tensions and division between East and West. These challenges inevitably affect Hong Kong that has long served as a bridge between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world. As Hong Kong faces new and significant challenges, it’s essential to acknowledge the remarkable success of “one country, two systems” while recognizing the need for adaptation and innovation.

The recently concluded third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee signaled a renewed commitment to deepening the nation’s reform to advance Chinese modernization. Hong Kong, as an integral part of China, should be both a participant in and a contributor to that process. As China undergoes comprehensive reforms on various fronts – the economy, technology and society -- Hong Kong must intensify its own reform efforts. Closer cooperation with the mainland is crucial if the SAR were to continue playing its role as a “superconnector” between the mainland and the world.

Hong Kong must also embrace a spirit for continuous reform and innovation. It needs to adapt to its unique circumstances and the evolving global context by pushing forward with industrial transformation and upgrading. Amid the West’s rising hostility as geopolitics worsens, the city should explore new avenues for growth beyond the traditional Western markets. The ultimate goal is to ensure the last success of “one country, two systems” to keep the “Pearl of the Orient” shining brightly.

In this light, pursuing reform and innovation is not just a strategic necessity. It’s the most fitting tribute to Deng, the creator of “one country, two systems”. His vision has been one of pragmatism and adaptability, a vision that propelled China from the brink of collapse to the forefront of the world stage. As Hong Kong navigates the challenges of the 21st century, it must continue to carry on Deng’s legacy, featuring resilience, creativity and an unwavering commitment to national unity.

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Remembering Deng is not merely an act of commemoration. It’s a call for action. It’s a reminder that the principles he had laid down remain as relevant today as they were four decades ago. For Hong Kong, the best way to honor him is to remain committed to the path of reform, continue serving as a vital link between the mainland and the rest of the world, and ensure that “one country, two systems” not only endures but thrives. This, indeed, would be the best tribute to the man who shaped modern China.

The author is a convener at China Retold, and a member of the Legislative Council, as well as the Central Committee of the New People’s Party.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.