Uphold Fundamental Principles and Break New Ground in the Face of Challenges to Sustain Hong Kong’s Success Story in the New Era
Uphold Fundamental Principles and
Break New Ground in the Face of Challenges to Sustain Hong Kong’s Success Story in the New Era
Opening Speech at the 2025 Spring Festival Reception Hosted by
the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government
in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Zheng Yanxiong
The Honourable Vice-Chairman Leung Chun-ying,
the Honourable Chief Executive John Lee,
distinguished guests and friends,
Good evening!
The annual Spring Festival is drawing close. This will be the first Spring Festival since the UNESCO added it to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which has amplified its significance on both global and historical levels. Today, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is pleased to celebrate with our fellow friends the arrival of the Year of the Snake. First of all, entrusted by Director Xia Baolong of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, I would like to, on behalf of Director Xia Baolong, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office, extend my best wishes to you all, as well as my warmest greetings to the people of Hong Kong!
The year 2024 was truly remarkable. It marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the successful convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, providing much-needed certainty to a world rocked by uncertainties. In a complex and challenging environment, the central government responded with composure and introduced a series of policies that effectively facilitated high-quality development, significant economic recovery and a notable increase in public confidence. This year, China achieved impressive milestones across various domains, including Shenzhou spacecraft launches, lunar exploration, and the Zhuhai Airshow, showcasing the nation’s innovation and manufacturing prowess on the global stage. This year, our country brought together nations of the “Global South” at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum Beijing Summit, and introduced a set of visa-free policies, with visitors praising China’s delicious cuisine, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality. This year, President Xi Jinping undertook an inspection tour of Macao, where he delivered a speech at the event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland, offering great care and encouragement to our compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao. This year, our Olympic athletes achieved their best results in international competitions, while “Black Myth: Wukong” became a global sensation, highlighting the appeal of China’s soft power. All these accomplishments in the Year of the Dragon certainly filled us with pride for our motherland!
In Hong Kong, where the song “The Descendants of the Dragon” resonates deeply, the Year of the Dragon in 2024 has also left many cherished moments and beautiful memories. It is uplifting to note that President Xi Jinping wrote back to Hong Kong entrepreneurs of Ningbo ancestry, motivating the business community and all sectors of society to support the development of the special administrative region and bolstering their resolve for greater prosperity. It is reassuring to see the local legislation for Article 23 of the Basic Law gain popular support, progress smoothly, and receive unanimous legislative backing, enabling Hong Kong to finally address the long-standing security gaps. It inspires confidence to see that Chief Executive John Lee has led the special administrative region government in forging ahead with a strong sense of responsibility. Hong Kong has reclaimed its top spot in global economic freedom ranking, improved its global competitiveness ranking to fifth place, and regained its position as the third-largest international financial center. These achievements are clear indicators of a robust recovery despite the challenges faced. It is uplifting to see the city airport’s three-runway system fully operational, further solidifying Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub and ushering the city into a new era of being more than an international financial, shipping and trade center. It is thrilling to witness Hong Kong’s Olympic athletes winning gold medals for both men and women in Paris, the St. Paul’s Co-educational College choir proudly singing the national anthem at awards ceremony in New Zealand, and the giant panda at Ocean Park giving birth to twins, symbolizing harmony and prosperity for Hong Kong. It is encouraging to see the central government’s supportive policies for Hong Kong being implemented in succession, including the expansion of the Individual Visit Scheme to more mainland cities, the provision of multiple-entry access for Shenzhen residents, and the economic stimulus policy package. Hong Kong also played host to mainland space heroes, Olympic athletes, and naval vessels. An An and Ke Ke, the panda pair gifted to Hong Kong by the central government, have found their home in the city. These demonstrated the central government’s profound care and affection for Hong Kong. All of these developments attest to the fact that the Pearl of the Orient continued to be a vibrant metropolis, showcasing a growing resilience, a surging confidence, a unifying strength, and an expanding vision.
Distinguished guests and friends!
President Xi Jinping has pointed out incisively that “the present and the near future constitute a critical period for our endeavor to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, and we have entered a new stage in advancing the cause of One Country, Two Systems. In the new era, the cause of One Country, Two Systems aims to deliver better development for both Hong Kong and Macao and enable the two regions to further contribute to China’s development and renewal of the Chinese nation.” We must fully understand the importance of the president’s instructions and the expectations set for all of us. As the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region nears its 28th anniversary since the handover, and approaches “the maturing age of 30”, it must rise to the occasion and fulfill its responsibility to the great family of the motherland. We find ourselves at a pivotal moment as our country begins its journey toward national rejuvenation while the world is undergoing changes not seen in a century. In this crucial year filled with challenges and opportunities, we must pull out all the stops to accelerate the city’s transition from order to prosperity, further enhancing Hong Kong’s success story in the new era.
To sustain Hong Kong’s success story, we must uphold the One Country, Two Systems policy, and fully leverage its institutional strengths. President Xi Jinping has pointed out that the One Country, Two Systems policy embodies distinctive institutional strengths and strong vitality. It is in the best interests of Hong Kong and Macao, garnering full support from local residents. It is also in harmony with the fundamental interests of our country and the Chinese nation, receiving strong backing from over 1.4 billion compatriots on the mainland. It benefits global investors and thus enjoys widespread support from the international community. Under “One Country”, Hong Kong can fully capitalize on national strengths, as the process of Chinese modernization presents significant opportunities for the city. Under “Two Systems”, Hong Kong can fully utilize its unique institutional advantages, economic positioning, legal framework, and rich cultural diversity. We should maintain strong confidence and take proactive steps to fully harness the institutional advantages of One Country, Two Systems.
To sustain Hong Kong’s success story, we must effectively align economic development with national security. President Xi Jinping has pointed out that we must balance development and security imperatives to ensure that high-quality development and greater security reinforce each other. In recent years, the central government has helped us address social disorder while fostering development, facilitating Hong Kong’s shift from chaos to governance and ultimately to prosperity, enabling the city to achieve both stability and growth. We must remember that a weak state of security undermines economic development, and the reverse is also true. It is equally crucial that we remain committed to both safeguarding national security and promoting economic growth. We must recognize that the world is not at peace, and Hong Kong cannot afford to be complacent. As global volatility increases, Hong Kong should be even more vigilant. In this context, the governance team and all community members must remain alert at all times to protect the rule of law and effectively manage public sentiment.
To sustain Hong Kong’s success story, we must uphold fundamental principles, embrace innovation, and enhance our adaptability to change. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that it is imperative to firmly uphold fundamental principles and break new ground to advance comprehensive reforms. To uphold fundamental principles, Hong Kong must follow the One Country, Two Systems policy, maintain the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law, and protect a free, law-based business environment along with a diverse and inclusive society. Simultaneously, Hong Kong must enhance its adaptability to thrive in a changing world. A landscape filled with changes can also offer significant opportunities for the city. With strong support from the motherland, well-established business connections with Western economies, a rising platform fueled by the “Global South”, and the connections fostered by the Belt and Road initiative, Hong Kong is well-positioned to succeed and must strive to excel by upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground.
To sustain Hong Hong’s success story, we must remain connected to both our country and the global community while actively promoting strategic integration with national development. President Xi Jinping has highlighted that Hong Kong’s strong ties to the world market, along with robust support from the motherland, are its distinctive advantages. As China is currently the most dynamic economy in the world, this integration will create new opportunities for Hong Kong. Throughout this process, Hong Kong must preserve and enhance its status as a highly internationalized metropolis. The Chinese people are skilled at adapting to change. With a robust network of sea, land, and air ports, Hong Kong is well positioned to effectively navigate and respond to shifts. It has been noted that among the three major cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area -- Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong – each has its own unique strengths, respectively recognized for holistic development, technological prowess, and extensive connections. Hong Kong’s distinctive role as a “super connector” will be reinforced as Guangzhou and Shenzhen further tap their respective advantages and foster closer cooperation with Hong Kong.
To sustain Hong Kong’s success story, we have to rise to the challenge, move forward with a strong sense of responsibility, and strive to address obstacles. President Xi Jinping has noted that due to the increasing negative effects of a changing external environment, China’s economy is encountering numerous hurdles. As is often true, adversity brings opportunities and strength. Hong Kong has significant development potential in the business, finance and resources sectors. To encourage innovation, the city should broaden its perspectives and think creatively to nurture its industries, growth models and culture. People excel when they pursue common goals and just causes. A responsible government, along with a supportive community, can generate immense power. It is reassuring to see positive developments in Hong Kong, where a consensus has been reached to prioritize economic growth, paving the way for the city to progress from stability to prosperity.
Distinguished guests and friends!
In his 2025 New Year address, President Xi Jinping pointed out that while dreams and wishes may seem distant, they can be achieved with dedicated effort. We firmly believe that consistent hard work will lead to greater prosperity. As an ancient saying goes, “Charge at the toughest and aim at the farthest.” Similarly, we should address the toughest challenges and aim for the highest goals. Looking back on the past few years, Hong Kong has implemented the National Security Law, completed the legislation of Article 23, safeguarded national security, enforced the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong’’, improved electoral systems, and facilitated a rapid return to normalcy after the pandemic. Each of these has been a tough challenge that we have successfully tackled one by one. We will not be defeated by any adversity. Despite the uncertainties that lie ahead, we are fortunate to have the strong support of the Central Government, the full backing of the nation and the collaborative efforts of the special administrative region government and all sectors of society. We are confident that we will overcome the challenges, embark on a new chapter, and achieve even greater success for Hong Kong in the new era.
Distinguished guests and friends!
Over the past year, the Liaison Office has received tremendous support from the special administrative region government and various sectors of the Hong Kong society. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. In the coming New Year, the Liaison Office shall fully implement President Xi Jinping’s important instructions and the central government’s policies, and will wholeheartedly support Chief Executive John Lee and the special administrative region government in exercising law-based administration. We will engage and work together with people from all walks of life to open up new horizon for the cause of One Country, Two Systems.
Before I close, let us wish Hong Kong great auspiciousness, and everyone a peaceful, prosperous and fruitful Year of the Snake.
Thank you!
