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Press Briefings & Releases

Press Briefings & Releases


CE talks about constitutional development
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Following is the transcript (translation) of the media session given by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, on constitutional development today (February 20):

There has been much enthusiastic discussion of late on the subject of patriotism. I believe that the great majority of Hong Kong citizens love their country and Hong Kong. They would not do anything to harm their country or Hong Kong.

Since the Central Government first expressed serious concerns about the constitutional review relating to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, it has raised through different channels a number of issues of principle. In a nutshell, these issues are:

  • "One Country, Two Systems": specifically, the Central Government has pointed out that "One Country" is the premise on which "Two Systems" is implemented. "One Country" refers specifically to the People's Republic of China.


  • "Hong Kong people running Hong Kong": patriots must form the main body that runs Hong Kong. There are specific criteria for a patriot. A patriot respects one's own nation, sincerely supports "One Country, Two Systems" and does not do anything that would harm our country or Hong Kong.


  • "A high degree of autonomy": Hong Kong's autonomy is exercised under authorisation by the Central Government.


  • "Executive-led": this is an important principle under the design of the Basic Law. Constitutional development in Hong Kong must not deviate from this principle.


  • "Balanced participation": our political structure must have due regard to the interests of all sectors of society. Also, constitutional development must accord with the principles of gradual and orderly progress and fully reflecting the actual situation in Hong Kong.

I consider that the principles spelt out by the Central Government are very important. Only if constitutional development in Hong Kong complies with these principles can we ensure the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems", safeguard the well-being of Hong Kong people and maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

I hope that the community will consider and discuss these issues calmly and rationally. I have often said that it is a blessing for Hong Kong people that Hong Kong returned to the motherland at a time when China was undergoing robust growth. Since the reunification more than six years ago, the Central Government has given us a free hand, shown us great trust and given us staunch support in times of major challenge. This has helped us successfully implement "One Country, Two Systems".

For the benefit of our constitutional development and healthy development of our community, it is important for us to reflect carefully on the issues of principle recently raised by the Central Government.

I hope that all sectors of the community will seriously consider these issues in a forward-looking, calm and rational manner, while holding fast to the position of loving our country and Hong Kong. I firmly believe that serious consideration and thorough discussion of these issues will be of great benefit to us.

Thank you.

Ends/Friday, February 20, 2004
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2004 | Important notices Last revision date: 1 July 2007
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