25 years ago today, Hong Kong returned to the embrace of the motherland.
These 25 years have been the 25 years in which Hong Kong and the motherland have become more closely related to each other by flesh and blood, and the 25 years in which Hong Kong and the motherland have been in the same boat through thick and thin, and have shared weal and woe.
From 1997 to 2022, successive chief executives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region issued a total of 24 policy addresses.
In these reports, "mainland" appears more frequently, and the country's development plans, economic policies and regional cooperation concepts appear more and more, becoming the best footnote that Hong Kong and the motherland share a common destiny and development since the return of the motherland. .
At this special moment, we select some important fragments from the policy address of the SAR government and combine it with the personal memories of some people who have experienced it to review the true course of history.
Theme of the Times Return to the Motherland
On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong returned to the motherland, and Hong Kong people began to write their own history.
- 1997 SAR Government Policy Address
"Working Together to Create a New Era for Hong Kong"
At 1:30 a.m. on July 1, 1997, the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and the swearing-in ceremony of the SAR government were held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center New Wing 7 Building, Tung Chee-hwa, the first Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was sworn in at a solemn ceremony.
" one country, two systems " has gone from conception to reality, from theory to practice. Hong Kong's current social and economic systems will remain unchanged, our lifestyle will remain unchanged, and our existing laws, decrees, and regulations will basically remain unchanged.
But for the young SAR government, the challenges and tests have just begun.
At the beginning of Hong Kong's return, Hong Kong experienced a financial turmoil. The central government decisively stated that as long as Hong Kong needs it, the central government will maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability at all costs. Just after the financial crisis, the SARS epidemic hit Hong Kong again in 2003. The Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic and Trade Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) was urgently signed and implemented. Mainland cities gradually opened up individual travel to Hong Kong, which provided a boost to the Hong Kong economy. Injected new vitality.
Before Hong Kong returned to , the American "Fortune" magazine successively published reports denying Hong Kong's future after the return and questioning Hong Kong's living space. However, as " fortune " writes, those who have failed in betting on Hong Kong have never won. Later, when a reporter asked Jeffrey Colvin, the editorial director of Fortune, "how would he evaluate Hong Kong now?" he thought for a long time and gave the answer: a city of vitality.
Personal memories
Liang Hongzheng (Vice Chairman of the 13th All-China Youth Federation )
"Return is a huge change"
Liang Hongzheng, Vice Chairman of the 13th All-China Youth Federation, Chairman of the Youth Affairs Committee of the Hong Kong Economic and Livelihood Alliance, Hong Kong Elite Honorary Chairman of the British Association. When Hong Kong returned to China in 1997, he was still studying at Cambridge University in England. Liang Hongzheng recalled that the day of the return coincided with the summer vacation of his freshman year. He, his family and friends gathered in a restaurant to watch live TV. When he saw the national flag and the regional flag raised together, he felt particularly proud and moved.
"As a Chinese born in Hong Kong, for me, that moment was a huge change, but it felt as if nothing had changed." Liang Hongzheng said that on June 30, 1997, Hong Kong was still administered by the United Kingdom. A place where, as soon as the early morning of July 1 arrives, Hong Kong returns to the embrace of the motherland, and he becomes a true Chinese, a Hong Kong Chinese. When I wake up, the streets of Hong Kong are still busy with traffic, and the vegetable market is still bustling. Everyone's life has not changed much. Back to the embrace of the motherland, Hong Kong is still the beautiful and wonderful Hong Kong.
Liang Hongzheng has studied in the UK for many years and has no intention of living there for a long time. When he was still young, he had a strong interest in Chinese history and national development. When he was a child, he read the picture version of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". When he grew up, he learned about and studied the history of many countries and knew that when the country had been weak for many years , was divided up by foreign powers and the land was constantly ceded. This makes Liang Hongzheng have a strong sense of belonging to Hong Kong and the country, "I feel that Hong Kong is my home, and China is the place where I should come back and fight."After graduating from
, although there were some British companies that could provide generous remuneration, Liang Hongzheng still chose to return to Hong Kong for development. He said that at that time, he firmly believed that Hong Kong was better than the UK in many aspects, and Hong Kong would definitely be better after the return. There will be better development. In 1998, not long after the new Hong Kong Airport was put into use, he took the "Home Return Permit" (ie the Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents) and took a flight to Hangzhou and Shanghai for internships. The theme of the times
Integrate into the overall development of the country
The governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong are jointly formulating the " Guangdong and Hong Kong Cooperation Framework Agreement " to lay the foundation for the inclusion of projects related to Guangdong and Hong Kong into the national "Twelfth Five-Year Plan"
-2009-. The 2010 SAR Government Policy Address
"Strength and Innovation"
supports Hong Kong's integration into the overall development of the country and has profound historical background.
The first joint venture in the mainland, the first Sino-foreign joint venture five-star hotel, etc., reform and opening up. Many of the early "firsts" had a distinct mark on Hong Kong. Now that China has become the world's second largest economy, the central government pays more attention to Hong Kong's special advantages and unique role, and Hong Kong's "interfaces" into the overall development of the country are increasing.
The Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong High-speed Railway has been opened, and Hong Kong has officially joined the national high-speed rail network; the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge has been opened to traffic, and Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will be connected by land for the first time. The "one-hour living circle" of the Greater Bay Area has basically taken shape, and Hong Kong has been basically formed. People from Macao and Guangdong have become "Greater Bay Area people"; " Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect ", "Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect" and "Bond Connect" have been implemented one after another. In the "Twelfth Five-Year Plan" outline, the Hong Kong and Macao parts have become separate chapters for the first time. , has accurately positioned and elaborated on Hong Kong's future development; the "14th Five-Year Plan" outline plans eight major development opportunities for Hong Kong, and the
SAR government has launched a series of measures through the policy address to promote the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In order to seize opportunities, we actively embrace the national "14th Five-Year Plan", the domestic macrocycle and the domestic and international dual cycle economic development pattern, etc., in finance, shipping, trade, aviation, innovative technology, legal services, intellectual property trade, culture Art exchanges and other fields actively align with central policies and achieve new breakthroughs in the process of integrating into the overall development of the country.
Personal memories
Wang Zhi (shareholder)
"It was a little exciting to speculate in Hong Kong stocks "
Wang Zhi is considered an old man. The stock investor has more than ten years of experience in stock trading, with ups and downs, but when it comes to his first time trading in Hong Kong stocks, he still remembers that it was a little exciting at the time.
In November 2014, the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect was launched. "I didn't expect that I could speculate in Hong Kong stocks. I had only seen it on TV before. It felt so far away." The first time I heard about Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect was when a friend in the financial circle told me to buy Hong Kong stocks through Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect. I made a lot of money. Although I was a little tempted, I didn't start because I didn't have enough funds to open an account and didn't find a suitable target.
In December 2016, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect was launched. In December 2017, one year after the launch of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect, the cumulative transaction volume of Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect was 882.141 billion yuan, and the cumulative transaction volume of and under Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect was 412.635 billion yuan, with the total transaction volume exceeding one trillion yuan.
In May 2018, more and more people around him began to speculate in Hong Kong stocks. Wang Zhi also opened the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect through a securities company, using the southbound trading under the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect to buy and sell Hong Kong local stocks, as well as trade in A shares and Hong Kong stocks. Stocks listed at the same time, etc.
"Because it is T+0, there is no limit on the rise or fall, and the pace is much faster. It was really a little exciting at the time." Speaking of trading stocks through the Hong Kong Stock Connect for the first time, Wang Zhi said that he was more cautious when he first entered the Hong Kong stock market. Yes, when I look at some stocks, they keep rising in less than ten minutes. Some stocks are still rising by more than 10%. My heartbeat is really accelerated. When I just got out of the market, I bought relatively cheap consumer stocks. Wang Zhi remembers that the first stock he bought was a relatively cheap consumer stock, and because it could be bought and sold that day, he took a small price difference and sold it.
"I wanted to buy technology stocks before, but there were no suitable A-shares. Later, I made some money by buying technology stocks through Hong Kong Stock Connect, and now I have some A+H medical stocks." Wang Zhi said.
Wang Zhi said that after the return of Hong Kong, Hong Kong and the mainland will be interconnected and the Hong Kong Stock Connect will be opened, and he will have more opportunities to make money. Now the mainland and Hong Kong stock trading markets have more extensive cooperation, and there are more investment opportunities. , I hope I can make more money in this good environment.
The theme of the times
Backing to the mainland, facing the world
Our direction and positioning are very clear, which is to build Hong Kong into an international city in Asia, relying on the mainland and facing the world.
- 2003 SAR Government Policy Address
"Making the Best of Hong Kong's Advantages to Revitalize the Economy Together"
After SARS, Hong Kong's economic aggregate grew by 19.6% in just three years. The 2007 " Economic Freedom Index " report released by the American Heritage Foundation shows that Hong Kong has been rated as the freest economic system in the world for the 13th consecutive year, receiving excellent scores in all indicators reflecting economic freedom. Among the 10 individual indicators, Hong Kong ranks first in the world in four areas: trade freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom and property rights protection.
Through the signing of the "Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement" and its series of agreements, the mainland has fully realized the liberalization of trade in goods with Hong Kong, basically realized the liberalization of trade in services, and carried out rich and pragmatic efforts in trade and investment facilitation. Through cooperation, Hong Kong’s role as an important trade and investment channel will be further unleashed.
Under "one country, two systems", Hong Kong's financial system remains stable, with free capital flow, abundant human resources, and a good legal environment. Its unique position of being backed by the motherland, facing the world, and connecting the mainland and the world has become increasingly prominent.
Personal memories
Mao Ming-kee (Hong Kong architect)
"We should have come back even earlier"
Mao Ming-kee, born in Hong Kong, now works for a Hong Kong-owned real estate company in Beijing and has made his home here.
In 2012, after nine years of living abroad, 35-year-old Mao Mingji decided to return to China with his wife and chose to develop in the mainland. This was a decision that had been made long ago, because in the couple's opinion, compared with Hong Kong, the living environment and cultural atmosphere in the Mainland are more suitable for them, and the development potential in the Mainland can also provide greater space for career development.
returns to the mainland, from Qingdao to Beijing. To this day, Mao Mingji still believes that the original decision was very correct. "We should even come back earlier."
The living space has moved from Hong Kong to the mainland. Now, 10 years later, Mao Mingji also deeply feels the relationship between Hong Kong and the mainland. The blending of relationships.
He said that many years ago, mainland people were more curious about Hong Kong compatriots and Hong Kong society. The only way to understand Hong Kong was Hong Kong movies and pop songs; Hong Kong people also knew little about many things in the mainland. But after so many years, in addition to getting to know each other more truly through television, ordinary people can also truly participate in each other's lives and experience each other's policies, economy, and humanities through many channels such as traveling, studying abroad, and doing business. "This This relationship is getting closer and closer.”
In September 2018, the residence permit for Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents was officially launched. Mao Mingji also became a beneficiary of this new policy. He said, "After we apply for this certificate, it is equivalent to having an additional ID card , which makes it much more convenient to do things in the mainland. For example, you can use this residence permit to apply for a driver's license, take the high-speed rail, fly, stay in a hotel, and even Beijing Health Treasure .”
In addition to his personal life, the Hong Kong-funded company where Mao Mingji works is also experiencing a series of changes. He said that in the past, the mainland strongly welcomed Hong Kong-funded companies, but now, Hong Kong-funded companies must compete fairly with all state-owned enterprises and private enterprises. "This is actually forcing Hong Kong companies and all enterprises to be more integrated into the domestic economic transformation and optimize their respective "
Due to work, Mao Mingji and his colleagues are frequent travelers on the Beijing-Hong Kong route, and sometimes they even need to make a business trip every week. Today's ever-increasing number of flights provides great convenience for their travel. Mao Mingji said that the mainland travel permit for Hong Kong and Macao residents, the travel pass for Hong Kong and Macao , and more frequent flights are helping everyone achieve a more efficient work and life in the twin cities.
Theme of the Times
National Security
We will never tolerate any behavior that advocates "Hong Kong independence" and endangers national sovereignty, security and development interests. Although Hong Kong is going through a difficult period, I believe that as long as we accurately adhere to the principle of "one country, two systems", we will be able to get out of the predicament.
- 2019 SAR Government Policy Address "Cherish Hong Kong and Build a Home Together"
In 2019, Hong Kong went through an extraordinary year.
The anti-China and destabilizing forces in Hong Kong launched a protracted black riot in the name of "anti-amendment". The violent impact has dealt a huge blow to the rule of law and freedom that Hong Kong was once proud of. It has also caused social unrest and harmed people's livelihood. The storm has left the "Pearl of the Orient" in dust.
"If we are 'undefended' and allow external forces to use Hong Kong to infiltrate the mainland to carry out sabotage activities and do things that endanger national security, the consequences will be very serious." Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said when asked by reporters.
Faced with an extremely complex and severe situation, the central government decisively formulated and implemented the Hong Kong National Security Law to build a strong legal system barrier for the SAR to safeguard national security. At 23:00 on June 30, 2020, the "Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region" was gazetted in the Hong Kong SAR and came into effect.
Now, Hong Kong’s National Security Law has become the “anchor” to protect Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability. It not only fills Hong Kong’s legal loopholes in safeguarding national security, but also provides a solid guarantee for Hong Kong’s long-term peace and stability, curbing the passage of external forces and their agents. Attempts to endanger national security in Hong Kong.
Since the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the amount of new shares raised in Hong Kong has exceeded HK$650 billion, an increase of more than 30% compared with the same period before its implementation; the average daily trading volume of Hong Kong stocks has exceeded HK$150 billion, which is higher than the 12 months before the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Out nearly 60%. The total value of Hong Kong's asset and wealth management business reached HK$34.9 trillion at the end of 2020, an increase of 20% from before the implementation of Hong Kong's national security law.
Personal memories
He Chaoqiong (Chairman of the Hong Kong Women's Association)
Maintaining "one country, two systems" is a mission and a responsibility
Hong Kong has experienced the most difficult time in 2019. The "black violence" has seriously affected Hong Kong's public security, and fake news and fake news are flooding the world society, seriously affecting the image of the country and Hong Kong. On August 25 of that year, Ho Chao-king, executive chairman and managing director of Shun Tak Group Co., Ltd., led the Hong Kong Women’s Association to unite with more than 30 women’s organizations in Hong Kong to launch the “Hong Kong Women’s Gathering to Protect Their Homes” to “return peace to Hong Kong and protect their homes.” With the theme of "Home, Thousand Sails Raise Together, Set Sail in the Wind", it calls on women from all walks of life in Hong Kong to release their positive energy, unite as one, and say no to violence.
In September 2019, the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council was held in Geneva. Ho Chao-king and Ng Shu-ching , in their capacity as the chairman and supervisory consultant of the Hong Kong Women's Association (Hong Kong Women's Association) respectively, were both inside and outside the venue. Speak up for Hong Kong. Inside the venue, Ho Chiu-king spoke twice at the council, condemning violence in Hong Kong; outside the venue, Ho Chiu-king and Ng Suk-ching told the international community the true situation in Hong Kong through interviews with international media, and conveyed four important messages to the world: The first is to show that Hong Kong has always enjoyed the prosperity and stability brought by the "one country, two systems" policy; the second is to express the true situation in Hong Kong in the past three months; the third is to express the willingness of Hong Kong people to pursue rationality and harmony; the fourth is to express the firm position that Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs .
In addition, He Chaoqiong also led the Hong Kong Women's Association to establish the "Women Building New Power" International Women's Forum. In addition to receiving support from leaders and representatives of women's federations in the Greater Bay Area, more than a dozen female leaders and hundreds of women from different countries and sectors were invited. More than a dozen women and elites gathered in Hong Kong to showcase Hong Kong’s international image and establish a positive side of Hong Kong society. The scale of the forum has expanded to include Beijing, Macau and even many cities in the Greater Bay Area, allowing women from the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and even many parts of the world to break through regional boundaries. Limit, come together, share and communicate.
He Chaoqiong said that the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law in Hong Kong in 2020 has given Hong Kong a shot in the arm. He will continue to speak out bravely as a patriot who loves Hong Kong and firmly safeguard the policy of "one country, two systems". This is a mission and a responsibility.
Theme of the Times
Patriots Governing Hong Kong
Under the protection of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" and "Patriots Governing Hong Kong", the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has returned to the correct track of "one country, two systems" and the governance order has returned to normal.
- 2021 SAR Government Policy Address
"Working together to create the future"
The reason why anti-China and disruptive elements in Hong Kong are able to make trouble and gain momentum in Hong Kong is for many reasons. One of the direct reasons is that "patriots govern Hong Kong" "The principle has not yet been fully implemented. "Patriots governing Hong Kong" is the core essence of "one country, two systems". To fully and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy, the fundamental principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong" must be implemented, and true patriots must control the governance of Hong Kong.
In March 2021, the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee adopted the "decision + law amendment" approach and passed amendments to Annexes 1 and 2 of the Hong Kong Basic Law. A systematic revision clearly stipulates the composition and selection method of the Election Committee, the selection method of the new Chief Executive and the Legislative Council, and the operating mechanism of the Candidate Qualification Review Committee. From the Election Committee election to the Legislative Council election to the Chief Executive election, within one year after improving the electoral system, Hong Kong successfully held three important elections.
The next five years will be a critical period for Hong Kong to move from chaos to governance and to governance and prosperity.
On May 8, 2022, Li Jiachao was elected as the chief executive candidate with a vote rate of 99.16%. On June 19, the State Council appointed key officials of the sixth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. On the same day, Li Jiachao led the main officials of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to make a collective appearance. He said that he will work together with the governance team to face difficulties, lead Hong Kong to fully leverage its unique advantages under "one country, two systems", and open a new chapter for Hong Kong.
Personal memories
Leung Chi-yan (Director of the Hong Kong Office in Beijing)
"A new chapter is about to begin in Hong Kong"
On March 4, 1999, The Hong Kong SAR Government In accordance with Article 22 of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, in An office was established in Beijing to further strengthen ties and communication with the Central People's Government and other provincial and municipal departments. The current director of the Hong Kong Office in Beijing, Leung Chi-yan, has been in the Hong Kong civil service for 35 years. He has served in many departments and countries and regions, but he has never worked in the mainland for a long time before. In 2019, when his civil service career was about to end, he made a speech for himself. He won the opportunity to serve as the director of the Beijing Office.
Liang Zhiren said that he has always had strong feelings for the country. In 1987, he entered the work of the Hong Kong Government. In his early years, he had been engaged in work related to the transition period and preparations for the return. At that time, he was full of expectations for the implementation of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Very early on, he wanted to work in the SAR Government's Office in Beijing, but because he had other tasks, he was never able to realize this wish until he became the director of the Hong Kong Office in Beijing in 2019.
In Liang Zhiren's view, Hong Kong has long played the role of a "super contact" between the mainland and the world. Now it must "merge ships and go out to sea" to connect its own advantages to the "14th Five-Year Plan" and integrate into the overall development of the country. After the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the improvement of the electoral system, Hong Kong has achieved political stability. The SAR government and members of the Legislative Council can work together to promote development. After Hong Kong "transformed from chaos to governance", it has now entered the stage of "transitioning from governance to prosperity" and can work hard to develop the economy and improve people's livelihood.
Leung Chi-yan said that the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is at its peak. With the strong support of the country, Hong Kong thrives. As a platform for cultural exchange between China and the West, Hong Kong needs to rely on the motherland, face the world, and tell Chinese stories well. As the new SAR government governance team said, we must "open a new chapter for Hong Kong together." A new chapter is about to begin. Hong Kong's housing, medical care, elderly care and other livelihood issues will be improved, and economic development will be more integrated with the mainland. , making Hong Kong more livable and workable.
Text of this page/Reporter Dong Xin, Xiong Yingqi, Zhou Chao, Li Yan
Picture production/Pan Fan
1997
Hong Kong returns to the motherland
The establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
1998
The central government supports Hong Kong in weathering the Asian financial crisis
The new Hong Kong airport is put into use
1999
The central government gives HKU a gift Pandas
2003
work together to defeat SARS
CEPA signed
China's first astronaut Yang Liwei visited Hong Kong
2005
Hong Kong Disneyland opened
2006
Margaret Chan was elected WHODirector-General
2008
Hong Kong compatriots assisted the Wenchuan earthquake-stricken area
Beijing Olympic Games martial arts events Hong Kong successfully hosted the Fifth East Asian Games
2014
The State Council published the "One Country, Two Systems" white paper for the first time
Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect was officially launched
2016
The Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect mechanism connecting the Hong Kong and Shenzhen stock markets was launched
2017
Hong Kong officially joined the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
" Liaoning Ship ” Visit Hong Kong
2018
The Hong Kong section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link was officially opened
The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge was opened to traffic
2019
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council issued the
" Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area "
2020
The National Security Law of Hong Kong was officially implemented
2021
" National People's Representative The General Assembly's Decision on Improving the Electoral System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region " was adopted
2022
The central government appointed Li Jiachao as the
sixth Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
