‘One Country, Two Systems’ Remains China’s Strong Principle to Achieve Higher Economic Growth

Zhang Dejiang, a top legislator of China, reaffirmed that “One Country, Two Systems” is to be retained as the principle of governance in Hong Kong and the rest of China.

On Wednesday, Zhang spoke highly of "One Country, Two Systems" in front of hundreds of Hong Kong business leaders, representatives and government officials in an official banquet.

Prior to this event, Zhang held a meeting with lawmakers and the members of Executive Council about further developing the social and economic positions of Hong Kong through the aforementioned principle.

"If the foundation is shaken, and the bottom line is compromised, how can we maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability?" Zhang replied to the advocates of the separation of Hong Kong from China with "localism" as the group's ideology.

Zhang further stated that Hong Kong will remain under the said principle, and any conjecture of changing it is "groundless."

The principle already enforces a high level of autonomy for the people of Hong Kong, and there are no plans of abolishing it.

China Daily reported that "One Country, Two Systems" enabled the city to maintain its free economy, as well as its prestigious status as a center for international finance.

"The central government cares about Hong Kong's economy, which is facing downward pressure amid the drop in mainland visitors," said lawmaker Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung. "But Hong Kong's economy can't survive on its own. It will get better only when the national economy is doing well."

Zhang emphasized the need for Hong Kong to strengthen the city by creating a strong platform which will include wide-ranging services for the people. Capital flows also need to be aided, and the Belt and Road initiative must be pushed forward to achieve progress of the Chinese economy. He stated that the city must also deepen its relationship with the mainland to develop the markets in the Belt and Road routes.