People's Daily calls for adhering to "one country, two systems" as HK Basic Law turns 30

A commentary to be published in Saturday's People's Daily stresses adhering to "one country, two systems" and safeguarding the authority of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

On April 4, 1990, China's top legislature adopted the HKSAR Basic Law, a milestone in turning the policy of "one country, two systems" from a concept to reality.

Over the past 30 years, the Basic Law has shown its great vitality, the commentary says, adding that summing up the experience of practicing the Basic Law at this juncture is key to guaranteeing the "one country, two systems" is not bent or distorted in practice.

"One country" is the bottom line that brooks no challenge and is also the precondition and basis for "two systems," the commentary says.

The commentary stresses maintaining firm confidence in "one country, two systems" and not being wavered by temporary twists and turns.

"As a unprecedented political practice, 'one country, two systems' is inevitable to encounter some new situations, problems and challenges," the commentary says. "It underscores the need and urgency to improve the institutions for 'one country, two systems'."

The central authorities are determined to uphold "one country, two systems," "the people of Hong Kong governing Hong Kong," and a high degree of autonomy for the region, the commentary says.