Xi stresses patriotism in SARs

President Xi Jinping stressed the significance of patriotism in the governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and he voiced strong support for the work of the SAR government on Wednesday.

Xi made the remark after hearing via video link Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor's report on the SAR government's work over the past year. Xi also heard a report from Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng.

Patriots governing Hong Kong is a fundamental principle that is key to China's national sovereignty, security and development interests as well as important to the region's long-term prosperity and stability, Xi said.

The central government's full jurisdiction over Hong Kong can be effectively implemented only when the SAR is governed by patriots, Xi said.

Only under the governance of patriots will Hong Kong maintain order, stipulated by the Constitution and the Basic Law, resolve its various problems effectively, achieve long-term peace and stability and make due contributions to national rejuvenation, Xi added.

The outbreak of the fourth wave of COVID-19 has had multiple impacts on Hong Kong, an international city with a high degree of openness, Xi said, adding that he cares very much about the safety, health and work of the people there.

The central government has taken and will continue to take all necessary measures to support Hong Kong in its fight against the pandemic, and the people should firm up their confidence and stay united in the anti-epidemic fight, Xi said.

The motherland is always the solid backing of Hong Kong and the current difficulties will definitely be overcome, Xi said.

Xi said that in the past year, Lam and the Hong Kong SAR government have properly handled various challenges including social unrest, the pandemic and unfavorable changes in external circumstances. They have tried their best to maintain order, control disease, help the people out of difficulties and restore the economy, and they achieved some progress, he said.

On major issues such as national security, Lam has taken a firm stand and assumed responsibilities, demonstrating her love for and deep sense of responsibility to the motherland and Hong Kong, Xi said.

"What should be noted is that since the National People's Congress Standing Committee adopted the National Security Law for the Hong Kong SAR, you have led the SAR government in resolutely enforcing it, stopping violence and chaos in accordance with the law and working to bring Hong Kong back on track," Xi told Lam.

"The central authorities fully acknowledge your performance and the performance of the Hong Kong SAR government in fulfilling its duties," Xi said.

Fundamental principle

Hong Kong's transition from chaos to stability has once again demonstrated that the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong "must always be upheld to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems", he said.

It is the fundamental principle that concerns national sovereignty, security and development interests, as well as Hong Kong's prosperity and stability in the long run, Xi added.

Xi also asked Lam to extend his sincere sympathy to the Hong Kong SAR government officials who were bluntly sanctioned by the United States.

Lam expressed gratitude for the central government's care and support for Hong Kong, saying that she will lead the SAR government to work harder and overcome difficulties to promote the progress of Hong Kong.

While hearing the report of Ho from Macao, Xi complimented his performance on disease prevention and control in Macao, where there have been no newly diagnosed local COVID-19 cases for more than 300 days.

Continued support

The central government will continue to support Macao in coordinating disease prevention and control with economic and social development, Xi said.

Xi also highlighted support for the Macao SAR in improving its legal system for safeguarding national security and corresponding enforcement mechanisms, moving faster in promoting an appropriate level of diversity in its economy, better integrating into the country's overall development and further advancing the successful "one country, two systems" practice with Macao characteristics.

Ho expressed thanks for the care and support of the central government, saying that he will make efforts with people from all walks of life in Macao to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday also heard the reports from Lam and Ho. Li said to Lam that the Hong Kong SAR government should continue with its efforts on disease prevention and control, proactively respond to the people's most urgent needs and try its best to improve people's lives.

When hearing the report from Ho, Li said that the Macao SAR government should continue with its measures on disease prevention and control, promote diversification of its economy and play a more effective role in integrating into the country's development strategies.

Xinhua contributed to this story.