On June 2, 2021, Mr. Liu Guangyuan, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the HKSAR, met the press and took questions from journalists. Local and central media outlets in Hong Kong including Wen Wei Po, Phoenix TV, Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), CCTV and Xinhua News Agency attended at invitation.
Commissioner Liu began his opening remarks with cordial greetings to Hong Kong compatriots. He mentioned that while he worked mostly in Africa, America and Europe during his over three-decade diplomatic career, he had paid a dozen visits to Hong Kong before and was greatly impressed by the vibrant, promising cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture where the East meets the West. Hong Kong also plays an important role in China's national governance. He assumed office as Commissioner with a strong sense of mission, and will live up to his responsibility guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and General Secretary Xi's significant statements about work related to Hong Kong and Macao. Together with colleagues at the Commissioner's Office, he will earnestly uphold national interests, serve the HKSAR, join hands with Hong Kong compatriots, and contribute to the enduring success of "One Country, Two Systems".
When taking a question about the Hong Kong situation in recent years, Commissioner Liu pointed out that what has happened since Hong Kong's return to the motherland has proven that "One Country, Two Systems" is viable and popular, and remains the best institutional arrangement for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. But the pioneering initiative has come across difficulties and challenges as well, especially during the anti-amendment unrest in 2019 when rampant pro-independence movement and black violence with a "burn with us" mentality plunged Hong Kong into months of chaos. The unrest morphed into a color revolution due to interference by external forces, who colluded with anti-China forces in the city not only to seize the power to administer Hong Kong but also to sow trouble in the mainland and obstruct the great rejuvenation of the nation. In the face of the gravest situation facing Hong Kong since its return, the Central Government took the decisive steps to introduce the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR and improve the electoral system of the HKSAR, leading to a major transformation from chaos to stability and bringing Hong Kong back to the right track. With the wise leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the strong support from the motherland, and united efforts of the SAR Government and the Hong Kong community, "One Country, Two Systems" will surely sail towards a better future, and the Pearl of the Orient will shine ever brighter.
In terms of the priorities of the Commissioner's Office in the next stage, Commissioner Liu said it has three major focuses. First, it will fight back external interference more robustly, so as to defend the red line of "One Country, Two Systems" and safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. Second, it will serve the development of the HKSAR more robustly by mobilizing diplomatic resources to support Hong Kong in increasing exchanges and cooperation with the rest of the world, and integrating itself deeper into national development and the dual circulation paradigm. Third, it will put people at the center of its work more robustly, encourage Hong Kong compatriots to learn more about and participate more in diplomatic work, and do its utmost to protect Hong Kong people's lawful rights and interests overseas.
In response to interfering moves by some Western countries which have frequently expressed concerns about Hong Kong affairs and even imposed sanctions, Commissioner Liu emphasized that at the core of the Hong Kong issue is a battle against forces trying to seize power and seek subversion and infiltration. Facts have proven that their attempt to curb China's development by exploiting Hong Kong-related issues is purely miscalculated. No external interference, pressure or sanction will ever weaken China's commitment to defending national sovereignty, security and development interests and to fully and faithfully implementing "One Country, Two Systems", nor will they reverse the historic trend towards greater success of "One Country, Two Systems". Liu warned the external forces that Hong Kong affairs are not to be meddled with, "One Country, Two Systems" not to be distorted, Hong Kong's prosperity and stability not to be sabotaged, and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation not to be obstructed. We have every confidence, will and resource to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Commissioner Liu also refuted rumors that the National Security Law for the HKSAR and the improvement of the HKSAR's electoral system would undermine Hong Kong's role as an international financial center and dampen its prospects. The National Security Law has facilitated lasting stability in Hong Kong, while the improvement of the electoral system ensured good governance. Both will create a safer, more stable and predictable business environment and enable Hong Kong to better leverage its strengths under the "One Country" framework. Instead of witnessing an exodus of capital, Hong Kong has seen the aggregate balance of its banking systems hit a nearly four-year high over the past year, the stock market keep active with IPO fund raised breaking records, and more than 7,000 overseas companies operate in the city, of which over 1,200 have their regional headquarters here. All this proves that international businesses stay committed to Hong Kong as a highly competitive international financial center, and will make the right choice that serves their interests.
When asked about how the Commissioner's Office will support the HKSAR in expanding external exchanges and protect Hong Kong people's lawful rights and interests overseas, Commissioner Liu said that the Commissioner's Office will enhance coordination and cooperation with the SAR Government in line with the goals set by the 14th Five-Year Plan, actively support the HKSAR in "bringing in" and "going global", and facilitate its participation in the Belt and Road and the Greater Bay Area initiatives. The Commissioner's Office will take more concrete measures to serve Hong Kong compatriots, and extend consular protection to them wherever they go. It will also continue to strengthen the management of and services for organs of foreign countries and international organizations in Hong Kong and provide necessary support.
In concluding remarks, Commissioner Liu said that the Commissioner's Office counts on the continuous support from the SAR Government and the Hong Kong community. Its door is always open, and any feedback or suggestion is welcome. He called for joint efforts to build a better future for Hong Kong.
