MR CHAN KIN-POR (in Cantonese): President, the Government has mentioned in the main reply that the White Paper seeks to set out the long-established basic principles of the Central Government regarding Hong Kong to help various sectors of the community in having a better and comprehensive understanding of “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law. However, the understanding by some people in the community of “one country, two systems” is different from the White Paper’s interpretation.
My supplementary question is: Given the fact that it has been many years since Hong Kong’s reunification, why is the White Paper not released by the State Council until now and does it imply any change in policy?
SECRETARY FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AND MAINLAND AFFAIRS (in Cantonese): President, after its release, I have personally read the White Paper from beginning to end many times. My overall point of view is that neither has the number of principles elaborated in the White Paper of the Basic Law and “one country, two systems” been reduced, nor have the relevant provisions in the Basic Law been increased. Furthermore, there has not been any change in such principles as “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy. On the contrary, the past has been reviewed at length in Chapters III and IV, with the economic, social and political development of the HKSAR under the arrangement of “one country, two systems” in the 17 years since the reunification recounted in a narrative manner.
Mr CHAN should be aware that next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law in 1990. I believe it is timely for the White Paper to be released now as a review and summing-up of the Basic Law and “one country, two systems”. I also believe that is the reason for its release.
As regards the promotion of the Basic Law as mentioned by Mr CHAN, I have to admit that, in view of the historical and social background, the promotion of the Basic Law right after the reunification, whether by APIs on television or many other means of publicity, has put more emphasis on the arrangement of the “two systems”. Actually, half or more than half of the content of Article 160 of the Basic Law is about specific requirements and arrangements of the “one system” practicised in Hong Kong under the “two systems” within the ambit of a high degree of autonomy.
This is why in the early days following the reunification, as I pointed out just now, more efforts were made in publicity and promotion on that front because of historical and social needs. With the three discussions held on constitutional development over the past decade, there might be more suggestions in the community about more comprehensive efforts that can be made by the SAR Government in promoting “one country, two systems” and Basic Law. Having heard these suggestions, we are collating and taking on board these views. A more holistic approach will probably be adopted to mark the 25th anniversary next year to promote the Basic Law, so the public can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Basic Law. In this respect, we are considering and adopting various views expressed in the community.