APD | 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong under Chinese Rule

APD NEWS

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By Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan

Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: [email protected]).

Hong Kong was an integral part of China in history, but, due to Western Colonialization, it became under British control for 100 years. Finally, China gain sovereignty on 1 July 1997 once again. It was no less than a miracle that China regain control over Hong Kong peacefully through dialogue and peaceful negotiation with the British Government. Without firing a single bullet, without losing a single human life, the transition of power from British to Chinese was one of the models desired to resolve all differences and disputes among nations, countries, and communities.

Since the Chinese took over Hong Kong, the major challenge was to keep the prosperity and stability of the Island. Great leader Deng Xiao Ping, evolve a special theory of “one country, Two Systems” to accommodate the special need of the Island. Consecutive leadership after Deng Xiao Ping has not only honored his theory but implemented it later and in spirit.

As a result of Chines flexible and friendly policies, the people of Hong Kong enjoyed special preferential status. The Chinese investment, infrastructure developments, and maintaining security & stability have enabled smooth economic activities. In fact, it has served as a booster to the economy of the Island.

There are going to be grand ceremonies on the event of the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s sovereignty on 1 July 2022. Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Hong Kong for the mega event of the city's handover to mainland China, state news agency Xinhua reported on Saturday.

A stunning light show with 1211 drones was staged on Tuesday in Hong Kong as part of a cultural event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland. Grad drone lighting and fireworks have marked the occasion.

The trip will be Xi's first known visit outside mainland China since January 2020 after the COVID-19 outbreak. He will also attend the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of Hong Kong, Xinhua added.

John Lee will become the city's new leader on July 1, replacing Carrie Lam. A former top police officer turned civil servant, Lee oversaw the city's security policies during mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. He has pledged to maintain a firm grip on the city under a national security law, in line with China's sovereign interests. Hong Kong was handed over to China on July 1, 1997, after 156 years of British colonial rule. He enjoys a very good reputation among the local residents and is warmly welcomed.

It is expected that President Xi’s visit will open many more opportunities for the people of Hong Kong, more infrastructure developments, more investments, more welfare, and political facilitation, enhance economic activities, etc.

The core reason for China’s rapid development was its strict policies to maintain law and order and social stability. The same approach is being applied to Hong Kong which is to provide social stability, justice, and security to the public, where they focus only on productivity and the creation of wealth. The highest priority is to ensure the prosperity of the masses.

For centuries, Hong Kong was the hub of trading and light industry and the people of Hong Kong were known for their hard work and smart approach. The role of the Chinese Government is to maintain and promote the prosperity of the Island. All policies, incentives, and facilitation are in total welfare of the people of the Island.

However, some Western nations are trying to destabilize Hong Kong, which is considered a direct interference in the domestic affairs of China, and unacceptable. China is capable of handling its affairs successfully. As a matter of fact, the Chinese governance model is gaining recognition globally and many nations are trying to replicate it in their journey of development.

China is a sovereign state and should not accept any foreign intervention and should strongly repel any outside pressure. All foreign conspiracies will reach an end and China will succeed in ensuring the safety and prosperity of Hong Kong.

Macao is a success story of Chinese sovereignty, which was a Portuguese colony for almost four centuries and returned to China on 20 December 1999. The people of Macao are smart and cooperative with the Chinese government and enjoy a happy and prosperous life.

It is desired that Taiwan may also learn from Macao's experience and reunion with China to realize the “One China” dream. The sooner the better.

Availing of this opportunity, we wish the people of Hong Kong more happiness and prosperity.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)