Patriotism basis of 'one country, two systems'

Speaking at the closing of the first session of the 13th National People's Congress last month, President Xi Jinping said the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions should integrate their own development into the country's development, and take measures to enhance the sense of national consciousness and patriotism among their residents.

And the report of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October last year and the Government Work Report last month emphasized that for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, it is necessary to fully and faithfully implement the policies of "one country, two systems", the "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong", the "people of Macao governing Macao", and a high degree of autonomy for both regions.

Advocating patriotism, however, is crucial for implementing the "one country, two systems" principle. To begin with, patriotism reflects the original intention of the "one country, two systems" principle, which aims to peacefully resolve the national unity issue. Although Hong Kong and Macao have reunified with the motherland, patriotism still needs to be promoted in the two regions, especially among youngsters and students, because some people, by advocating "Hong Kong independence" in the recent past, have violated the country's Constitution and the Hong Kong Basic Law, and undermined national sovereignty, security and interests.