Officials and social leaders from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions pledged they would live up to President Xi Jinping’s expectations, noting that Xi’s important speech on Wednesday demonstrated his profound care for the two cities.
Xi delivered the speech on Wednesday at a ceremony to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in Beijing. The long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is essential to realizing national rejuvenation, Xi said in his speech.
Both cities held events to watch the livestream of the celebration, with many social leaders praising Xi’s speech, saying that it carried profound meaning for the two SARs.
Leung Chun-ying, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that the people of Hong Kong must engage in a thorough and comprehensive study of the speech.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that the Chinese nation, under the leadership of CPC, has seen drastic improvements to people’s livelihoods and the economy. The nation also ensures Hong Kong's prosperity and development, and the central government has consistently shown its care and support for Hong Kong, Lee added.
Eric Chan Kwok-ki, Hong Kong’s chief secretary for administration, said Xi’s speech pointed the way forward for the city and demonstrated the high regard Xi and the central government have for Hong Kong and the high expectations they have for the city.
“Hong Kong is not only a participant, but also as a beneficiary of the country’s achievements,” Chan said. By better integrating into and serving the overall development of the country, Hong Kong will become more prosperous, he added.
Christine Choi Yuk-lin, secretary for education, said that she was encouraged by the speech, and has full confidence in the future development of both the country and Hong Kong. “Young people are the future of the nation, and Hong Kong and the Education Bureau will continue to deliver patriotic education,” said Choi.
Starry Lee Wai-king, president of the Legislative Council, promised that the council will build on the solid foundation of security and stability that has been established, and will optimize the supporting legal frameworks. The council will uphold and improve the executive-led system while supporting and overseeing the government, and will closely monitor public sentiment, she added.
Political parties in Hong Kong, including the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and the Business and Professionals Federation of Hong Kong, said that the speech showed that Xi cares greatly about Hong Kong, adding that they will proactively support the SAR government in governing Hong Kong in accordance with the law, and contribute to the national development.
In Macao, the government arranged for 2,000 students and representatives across various sectors to watch the livestream of the 105th anniversary at the Macao Polytechnic University’s Multi-Sport Pavilion in the Zape district.
Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai said that the president’s speech points the way forward for Macao residents.
He said that the Macao SAR government will guide the people of Macao in studying, promoting, and executing the essence of the speech, and will equip them to contribute to the advancement of national strength and the great rejuvenation.
Vice-principal Chan Hong of Hou Kong Middle School in Macao said that Macao’s education sector will continue to guide young people to proactively integrate into the country’s overall development, deepen patriotic education rooted in love for Macao and the nation, and cultivate young people capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation.
A series of activities have been progressively rolled out in Hong Kong and Macao to celebrate the 105th anniversary and to deepen the public’s understanding on the nation.
