Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office voices support of electoral changes

Improvements made to Hong Kong's electoral system will ensure the "patriots governing Hong Kong" policy and the long-term stability of the special administrative region, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council said in a statement on Tuesday.

The office said it firmly supported the bills passed Tuesday by China's top legislature to amend Annex I and II of Hong Kong's Basic Law, which improve the selection process of the city's chief executive and members of its Legislative Council as well as the way the council is formed.

It said the changes are meant to close the loopholes and deficiencies in the current electoral system and that the passage by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is the common wish of all Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots.

The office said it is a fundamental political principle — naturally and universally recognized — that political power should be held by patriots. Only in this way can the fundamental "one country, two systems" purpose be implemented and the political risks staged by external forces and their political agents be eliminated.

This is also the only way that Hong Kong can shake off endless political strife and growing radical forces and focus on economic development to genuinely promote the well-being of the general public, it added.

The statement pointed out that the central government adheres to the gradual development of Hong Kong's democratic system which must be consistent with "one country, two systems" and is based on Hong Kong's reality, not the models of other countries and regions.

Next, the Hong Kong government will amend local laws in accordance with the amendments and decision of the NPC and organize and regulate upcoming electoral activities in line with the laws, it said, adding that it hoped all sectors of the Hong Kong community will lend support.

It stressed that whether it is the enactment of the Hong Kong national security law last year or the improvement of Hong Kong's electoral system, the only objective is to ensure that "one country, two systems" is not deformed and is fully and accurately implemented.

Hong Kong is now embarking on a new phase of development, it said. People will see the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people better protected, the city's status as an international financial, trade and shipping center more firmly established and the various deep-rooted conflicts and problems that have long plagued Hong Kong more effectively resolved.

The practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong will certainly take on new vigor and vitality, it added.