Fully and Faithfully Implementing “One Country, Two Systems” Is Key to Sustained Prosperity and Stability in Hong Kong
全面准确贯彻“一国两制”，坚定维护香港繁荣稳定
Keynote Speech by H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming at the Young Icebreakers 11th Anniversary Dinner
驻英国大使刘晓明在“青年破冰者”年度晚宴上的主旨演讲
8 November 2019
2019年11月8日
Chairman Stephen Perry,
Young Icebreakers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Friends:
Good evening!
尊敬的48家集团俱乐部主席佩里先生，
“青年破冰者”们，
女士们，先生们，朋友们，
大家晚上好！
It is a great pleasure to be back at the Young Icebreakers Anniversary Dinner. In the past 11 years since it was launched, “Young Icebreakers” club has written a chapter in China-UK friendship that is full of youthful vigour. You have made your unique contribution to China-UK cooperation, for which I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks! I personally feel bonded with “Young Icebreakers”. In my more than nine years as Chinese Ambassador to the UK, I have never missed a single Young Icebreakers anniversary dinner.
很高兴再次出席“青年破冰者”年度晚宴。“青年破冰者”组织成立11年来，为中英友好书写了朝气蓬勃的篇章，为中英合作做出了独具特色的贡献。在此，我向大家表示衷心感谢！我出任驻英大使9年多来，与“青年破冰者”结下不解之缘，一直坚持与大家“年年有约”。
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It is also the 65th anniversary of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the chargé d’affaires level. The past 65 years have seen China-UK relationship going through winds and rains. There have been numerous obstacles overcome as well as remarkable successes achieved. One important lesson we have learned from the history of China-UK relationship is mutual respect. This means we should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs, and carry out equal-footed and mutually-beneficial cooperation. These principles were laid down in the Joint Communiqué when China and the UK established full diplomatic relations. They form the bedrock of China-UK relationship and have been reiterated in many ensuing important documents signed by China and the UK. History proves that when these principles were upheld, China-UK relationship would move forward; otherwise, this relationship would suffer setbacks or even backpedal.
今年是新中国成立70周年，也是中英建立代办级外交关系65周年。65年来，中英关系历经风雨，取得了不少成绩，也克服了不少困难。回顾两国关系历史，我们得出一条重要经验，那就是要相互尊重，相互尊重主权和领土完整，互不干涉内政和平等互利。这些都是中英建交公报确立的原则，在后来中英许多重要文件中得到重申，它们构成中英关系的基础。实践证明，只要这些原则得到遵守，中英关系就向前发展；反之，则遭受挫折，甚至倒退。
The Hong Kong question was once an obstacle to the development of China-UK relationship. Regrettably, this question now stands out again in China-UK relationship as violence in Hong Kong continues. Some politicians in this country have taken advantage of the differences of views concerning Hong Kong’s ordinance amendments to accuse China of “going against the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle”. They also support activists who are anti-China and aimed at destabilising Hong Kong in order to increase pressure on the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). The British Government and Parliament published so-called reports on the Hong Kong question and interfered in China’s internal affairs as well as the affairs of Hong Kong. This has severely disrupted and undermined China-UK relationship. Today, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my views on the Hong Kong issue by answering four questions.
香港问题曾是影响中英关系发展的障碍。近来，随着香港的暴力活动持续不断，香港问题在中英关系中再次突出。英国一些政客借“修例风波”，指责中国违反“一国两制”原则，支持“反中乱港”分子，给特区政府施压，英国政府和议会发布所谓香港问题报告，干预香港事务和中国内政，给中英关系带来严重冲击和损害。今天，我想借此机会，谈一谈香港问题，重点回答四个问题：
The first question is, how should we correctly and accurately understand “One Country, Two Systems”? “One Country, Two Systems” was first proposed by Mr. Deng Xiaoping. It is a basic policy of the Chinese Government established according to the Constitution of China and implemented through the Basic Law. It is one complete concept consisting of a complete set of policies. “One Country” means Hong Kong is part of China, and China has sovereignty over Hong Kong. Article 1 of the Basic Law stipulates that “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China.” Article 12 stipulates that “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall be a local administrative region of the People’s Republic of China, which shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy and come directly under the Central People’s Government.” “One Country” is the foundation. It is the precondition and basis for “Two Systems”. “Two Systems” is subordinate to and derived from “One Country”. Without “One Country”, “Two Systems” will no longer exist. As long as “One Country” is upheld, the Chinese Government respects the differences between the two systems, and supports “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy. This position has been clear and consistent.
首先，如何正确认识和准确理解“一国两制”？“一国两制”是邓小平先生首次提出，中国政府以《宪法》的形式将其确定为基本方针政策，并通过《基本法》予以实施。“一国两制”是一个完整的概念，是一套完整的方针政策。“一国”意即香港是中国的一部分，中国对香港拥有主权。《基本法》第1条和第12条规定“香港特别行政区是中华人民共和国不可分离的部分”，“香港特别行政区是中华人民共和国的一个享有高度自治权的地方行政区域，直辖于中央人民政府”。“一国”是根本，是“两制”的前提和基础。“两制”从属和派生于“一国”并统一于“一国”之内。没有一国，就没有“两制”。中国政府在“一国”基础上，尊重“两制”差异，支持“港人治港”、高度自治，这一立场是明确的、一贯的。
For this formula to work in Hong Kong, there are three bottom lines – namely, no tolerance for any activity that, one, undermines national sovereignty and security; two, challenges the authority of the Central Government or the Basic Law; and, three, uses Hong Kong for infiltration or sabotage against the Chinese mainland. The fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China concluded last week reiterated that China will never tolerate any act that challenges the bottom line of “One Country, Two Systems”, or any attempt to split the country.
中国贯彻“一国两制”方针的同时，始终坚持“三条底线”不容触碰，即绝对不能允许任何危害国家主权安全、绝对不能允许挑战中央权力和《基本法》权威、绝对不能允许利用香港对内地进行渗透破坏的活动。上周举行的中共十九届四中全会再次重申，绝不容忍任何挑战“一国两制”底线的行为，绝不容忍任何分裂国家的行为。
The second question is, who is undermining “One Country, Two Systems”? In the past 22 years since the handover of Hong Kong, the Chinese Government has remained committed to implementing “One Country, Two Systems” fully and accurately. This is recognised the world over. A few months ago, the SAR Government proposed to amend the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance for the purpose of plugging a legal loophole, strengthening rule of law and preventing Hong Kong from becoming a haven for fugitives. In fact, both the initiation and the later withdrawal of the amendments are reflections of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong.
第二，究竟谁在破坏“一国两制”？香港回归22年多来，中国政府始终坚定不移、全面准确贯彻“一国两制”方针，取得举世公认的成就。数月前，香港特区政府提出“修例”，目的是堵塞法律漏洞、完善香港法治，使香港不再是“避罪天堂”。事实上，无论特区政府启动“修例”，还是撤回“修例”，都是香港实行“一国两制”、“港人治港”、高度自治的具体体现。
The opposition and radical forces in Hong Kong have taken as an excuse the difference of views on the amendments to stir up trouble, instigate confrontations, advocate “Hong Kong independence” and publicly clamour for the “liberation of Hong Kong”. Their real intention is to destabilise Hong Kong and paralyse the SAR Government, so that they could seize administrative power and separate Hong Kong from the motherland. It is they who are undermining “One Country, Two Systems”!
香港反对派和激进势力，以反“修例”为借口，不断挑起事端，策动各种抗争，大肆鼓吹“港独”，公然宣扬“光复香港”，企图搞乱香港、瘫痪政府、进而夺取香港的管治权，把香港从祖国分离出去，这才是破坏“一国两制”！
The radical offenders in Hong Kong have conducted a series of violent acts. For weeks and weeks, they have engaged in indiscriminate destruction and carried out vindictive attacks. These senseless and frenzied mobs have committed outrageous and violent offences. Their actions gravely challenged the rule of law and social order in Hong Kong, and posed a severe threat to the safety of life and property of the public. It is these radical offenders who are undermining “One Country, Two Systems”!
香港极端暴力分子连环施暴，无差别破坏，寻仇式攻击，以丧失理智的疯狂行为制造一桩桩令人发指的暴力罪行，严重挑战香港法治和社会秩序，严重威胁香港民众生命财产安全，这才是破坏“一国两制”！
Some politicians in Western countries have not only coordinated, guided and funded the violent acts in Hong Kong behind the scene. They have even come to the fore. Last month, the US House of Representatives adopted the so-called “Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act” in disregard of international law and the norms governing international relations. By taking this move, the US Congress is in fact supporting the violent offenders publicly, interfering in the affairs of Hong Kong and the internal affairs of China blatantly, and attempting to turn Hong Kong into a trouble for China so as to contain China’s development. It is these politicians who are undermining “One Country, Two Systems”!
一些西方国家政客不仅扮演幕后“黑手”，对香港暴力活动进行协调、指导和资助，甚至公然跳到台前。不久前美国国会众议院无视国际法和国际关系准则，通过所谓《香港人权和民主法案》，赤裸裸地为暴力违法分子撑腰打气，粗暴干涉香港事务和中国内政，图谋把香港变成中国的一个麻烦，牵制和遏制中国的发展，这才是破坏“一国两制”！
Now let me turn to the third question: Does “One Country, Two Systems” have anything to do with the Sino-British Joint Declaration? Even today, some people in the UK still cite the Joint Declaration and confuse it with “One Country, Two Systems”, as if the UK held the copyright of “One Country, Two Systems”! As I said earlier, it was Deng Xiaoping who proposed this great concept. The “copyright” of this principle belongs to China. “One Country, Two Systems” is not a synonym of the Joint Declaration. The UK must not claim the right that does not belong to it. Here is a useful reminder of the contents of the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The Joint Declaration consists of eight articles and three annexes. Article 1 states that China is to resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. Article 2 states that the UK will restore Hong Kong to China. These articles were both fulfilled at the handover of Hong Kong. Articles 4, 5 and 6, and Annexes II and III are about the relevant arrangements during the transitional period. Article 7 and 8 are about the implementation and entry into force of the Joint Declaration. All these provisions have been fulfilled with the return of Hong Kong and the completion of the ensuing matters. What needs to be pointed out is that, in Article 3 and Annex I, the Chinese Government laid out the principles and made detailed elaboration on its basic policies regarding Hong Kong. These policies were proposed by China on our own initiative and they are not China’s commitments or obligations to the UK. These basic principles have been included in the Basic Law and will continue to be implemented fully and effectively. Therefore, “One Country, Two Systems” was not originated from the Joint Declaration at all. When China pledged that “One Country, Two Systems” would remain unchanged for 50 years, we did this in accordance with the Basic Law, rather than the Joint Declaration. The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of “supervision” over Hong Kong whatsoever. Citing the Joint Declaration as a justification for irresponsible remarks and interference in Hong Kong affairs has no valid ground. This goes against not only “One Country, Two Systems”, but also the basic norms governing international relations.
第三，“一国两制”究竟与《中英联合声明》有无关系？时至今日，英国仍有人常拿《联合声明》说事，把“一国两制”和《联合声明》混为一谈，似乎英国是“一国两制”的版权持有者。正如我前面所说，邓小平先生才是“一国两制”伟大构想的创立者，版权属于中国。不能把“联合声明”与“一国两制”等同起来，英国不能申索不属于它的权利。事实上，《联合声明》共有8条正文、3个附件：第一条规定中国对香港恢复行使主权，第二条规定英国将香港交还给中国，香港回归后，这两条均已履行完毕；第四条至第六条以及附件二、三规定两国在回归过渡期的有关安排，第七、八条是关于实施和生效的条款，这些规定随着香港回归和各项后续工作完成也已履行完毕，《联合声明》也因此完成它的历史使命。需要指出的是，第三条及附件一是中国对香港基本方针政策的原则阐述及具体说明，这是中国单方面政策宣示，而非中国对英国的承诺或义务。这些基本方针都纳写入《基本法》，将继续得到全面有效落实。因此，“一国两制”绝非源于《联合声明》。我们说“一国两制”50年不变，是遵守《基本法》，而不是《联合声明》。英国对回归后的香港，无主权、无治权、无监督权。少数英国政客借口《联合声明》对香港事务说三道四、横加干涉，毫无道理可言，不仅违背“一国两制”，也违反国际关系基本准则。
Now let me turn to the fourth question: What is the prospect of “One Country, Two Systems”? “One Country, Two Systems” is the best arrangement for Hong Kong to maintain long-term prosperity and stability. We have full confidence in “One Country, Two Systems”. At the reception held in Beijing in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, President Xi Jinping reiterated the following: We will continue to fully and faithfully implement the principles of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” and a high degree of autonomy. We will act in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law. We are confident that with the full support of the motherland, and the concerted efforts of all compatriots who love China and love Hong Kong, this great city will grow together with Chinese mainland, and will embrace a more beautiful future! Recently, Chief Executive Carrie Lam is leading the SAR Government to engage Hong Kong citizens from all walks of life in dialogues. In her 2019 Policy Address, she has put forward many concrete measures and called on the public to cherish the city, put aside differences and rebuild their home. At a meeting with Chief Executive Carrie Lam a few days ago, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the Central Government’s trust in the Chief Executive and full acknowledgement of the work of her and her team. I firmly believe that with the strong support of the Central Government and under the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the SAR Government, Hong Kong will overcome the difficulties and put an end to chaos. The “oriental pearl” will once again shine brightly and continue the success of “One Country, Two Systems”.
第四，香港“一国两制”将面临怎样的前景？实践充分证明，“一国两制”是香港保持长期繁荣稳定的最佳制度安排。我们对“一国两制”充满信心。习近平主席在庆祝新中国成立70周年招待会上再次重申：我们要继续全面准确贯彻“一国两制”、“港人治港”、高度自治的方针，严格按照宪法和基本法办事。我们相信，有祖国的全力支持，有广大爱国爱港同胞的共同努力，香港一定能与祖国内地同发展共进步，香港明天一定会更好！近来，在林郑月娥特首带领下，特区政府与香港社会各界积极展开对话，并发布新一份《施政报告》，提出诸多具体举措，希望香港民众珍惜香港、放下分歧、共建家园。习近平主席日前会见林郑月娥特首时指出，中国中央政府高度信任林郑特首，充分肯定林郑特首和特区政府的工作。相信在中国中央政府的大力支持下，在林郑特首和特区政府的带领下，香港一定会克服困难，尽快走出乱局，重现东方明珠的光彩，续写“一国两制”成功实践的新篇章。
Ladies and Gentlemen,
女士们，先生们，朋友们，
A stable and prosperous Hong Kong is in the interests of both China and the UK. There are 300,000 British citizens and more than 700 British companies in Hong Kong. The connections and exchanges between the UK and Hong Kong are extensive and close. I hope that all of you present today will make active efforts to help the public in the UK to understand “One Country, Two Systems” correctly. I hope you will urge the British Government and Parliament to uphold the basic principles of China-UK relationship. This means respecting China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and no interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China’s internal affairs. I hope you will support the SAR Government in bringing the chaos to an end and restoring order, support Hong Kong’s efforts in maintaining prosperity and stability. Let us work together to create sound conditions for the healthy and steady growth of China-UK relationship.
一个稳定繁荣的香港不仅符合中国的利益，也符合英国的利益。英国在香港有30万公民、700多家企业，双方联系广泛、往来密切。希望在座各位积极推动英国各界正确认识和理解“一国两制”，敦促英国政府和议会遵守中英关系的基本原则，尊重中国的主权和领土完整，停止干涉香港事务和中国内政。我希望你们支持香港特区政府止暴制乱、恢复秩序，支持维护香港的繁荣稳定。让我们共同努力，为中英关系健康稳定发展创造良好条件。
Thank you!
谢谢大家！