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Author: Wu Ting
2021-02-25 14:02
The last update date: 2021-02-25 14:03
Following the "Hong Kong National Security Law", Beijing has made major moves to address the issue of governing Hong Kong. Hong Kong’s existing electoral system, from the Chief Executive to the Legislative Council to the District Council, has been fully reformed. The two sessions are expected to be held in March. See the real chapter above.
Focusing on "patriots ruling Hong Kong" and the reform of Hong Kong's electoral system, as well as the CCP's logic behind these big moves, Hong Kong 01 interviewed Tian Feilong, a director of the National Society for Hong Kong and Macau Studies, Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Advanced Research Institute, and associate professor of law.
This is the first part of the interview.
01: This time "Patriot ruling Hong Kong" has been mentioned as a very important position. How to judge whether a person is a patriot or not? Xia Baolong, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, put forward three standards: patriots must sincerely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests; patriots must respect and maintain the country’s fundamental system and the constitutional order of the special administrative region; patriots It is bound to make every effort to maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Compared with the patriot defined by Deng Xiaoping, how does the patriot this time inherit and develop? How should this political ethics and political rules be institutionalized?
Tian Feilong:
Xia Baolong also mentioned in his speech that patriots ruling Hong Kong was a political ethics and system principle that existed when Deng Xiaoping designed "One Country, Two Systems", and Deng Xiaoping also put forward a very clear standard at the time-"Respect yourself The nation sincerely supports the motherland's restoration of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong without jeopardizing the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong."
Xia Baolong's expansive definition of the Patriot Standard in this speech is derived from Deng Xiaoping's definition and has been updated with the connotation of the times.
This is also very easy to understand. After all, Deng Xiaoping’s definition at the time was based on the situation before the return. The scope of national interests, the systematization of the national system, and the specific situation of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability before the return are very different from today. The patriots are specific. In these three dimensions, the connotation must be expanded and enriched accordingly.
Xia Baolong emphasized at the Hong Kong and Macau seminar on February 22 to ensure that "patriots govern Hong Kong."
(China Political Consultative Conference)
As for how to institutionalize "patriots ruling Hong Kong", the original patriots did not institutionalize very clearly in the law, and it is becoming clearer now.
The reason for the institutionalization is that "patriots ruling Hong Kong" have encountered unprecedented challenges in Hong Kong.
In the era of Deng Xiaoping, when estimating the governance of Hong Kong, he did not anticipate, or judged very clearly, that an unprecedented social movement against China and disrupting Hong Kong would occur in Hong Kong in 2019.
Therefore, "one country, two systems" has to be adjusted according to the specific circumstances. This is also a legitimate move of legislators to understand "one country, two systems" scientifically and to expand the system connotation and foundation of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" according to local conditions.
Based on the reality of Hong Kong, the following "patriots ruling Hong Kong" will cover all aspects of Hong Kong's election and governance, including running for elections, taking oaths, performing duties, and disciplinary actions.
The new system not only has direct control over elected positions, but also has control over civil service positions and all public positions.
Of course, the current focus is on elections, especially in response to the election of the Legislative Council to be restarted in September, as well as the subsequent election of the special committee and chief executive.
Hong Kong’s election is a battle to defend Hong Kong’s governing power. Starting from such a high level, Beijing is based on reforming the system to ensure that patriots rule Hong Kong.
01: Judging from Xia Baolong's speech, it is obvious that Beijing has a distinction between patriots, such as patriots and staunch patriots. The requirements of ordinary citizens and those who govern Hong Kong, especially leaders, are different. According to Xia Baolong’s original words, "We emphasize that "patriots govern Hong Kong", and we are by no means trying to create "all colors." The vast majority of Hong Kong citizens have a tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong. The scope of "patriots" used to be, is now, It will be extensive in the future. Hong Kong’s Chinese and Western cultures blend, and the society is diverse and diverse. Because some citizens have lived in a capitalist society like Hong Kong for a long time, they don’t know much about the country and the mainland, and even have various prejudices and prejudices against the country and the mainland. The central government understands and tolerates these people's attitudes, and firmly believes that they will continue to uphold their patriotic and love Hong Kong stand, draw a clear line with anti-China chaos in Hong Kong, and actively participate in the governance of Hong Kong." How to understand this distinction? What kind of signals are sent to different groups in Hong Kong?
Tian Feilong:
Under the general principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong," the first to be excluded according to the law of exclusion is the anti-China chaos in Hong Kong, which corresponds to the phrase "anti-China chaos in Hong Kong is out."
With the anti-China chaos in Hong Kong out, according to the patriot’s three standards, it is actually the most conducive to moderate pan-people and centrists, and the most conducive to Xia Baolong’s speech that "does not know much about the country and the mainland. There are even various prejudices and prejudices about the country and the mainland," but there are no people who have slipped into the anti-China chaos in Hong Kong.
These people can still be included in the scope of elections and governance in Hong Kong. The patriots ruling Hong Kong will still accommodate some people who criticize the government and the system, but are not engaged in subversive activities against China and disrupt Hong Kong.
It can be said that this is Beijing talking to moderate democrats and centrists, telling them that Hong Kong’s democratic political game cannot enter the market, while moderates can.
The moderates and the Hong Kong patriotic establishment should jointly form a new democratic political ecology in Hong Kong, which conforms to "one country, two systems."
"Patriots governing Hong Kong" does not mean that all establishments govern Hong Kong. "Patriots governing Hong Kong" means that Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong that meet the standards of patriots. Under the condition of establishing a common foundation for patriots, its scope is still inclusive and inclusive. Diverse.
01: In the part of "Steady Patriots", Xia Baolong's speech not only requires these people to "accurately implement", but also to have the ability to fight. Standing in the forefront is obviously more demanding than patriots.
Tian Feilong: Among
the Patriots, a firm patriot is distinguished. This is a person who plays a leading role in Hong Kong’s governance system. The central government believes that these people need more and higher standards in the Patriots. Take the initiative, consider national interests, fight bravely, unite closely with the central government, and advance and retreat together.
"Sturdy patriot" is actually an advanced cadre standard, a category of "meritcracy" (meritcracy). It is not a rule-based or simple patriotic loyalty, but an initiative and responsibility.
This kind of "skillful patriot" is the ideal expectation of the Central Government and the ideal expectation of the people of Hong Kong.
Since the Sino-US trade war, as well as in the previous social movements in Hong Kong, and after the outbreak of the epidemic, Hong Kong has indeed had a considerable number of high-ranking officials, who have failed to reflect such higher standards of patriotism and corresponding virtues and capabilities.
Therefore, the central government talked about staunch patriots here, and it also sent a signal that in the future, the central government’s standards for selecting and employing people in Hong Kong will be based on staunch patriot standards, not only for general loyalty, but also for higher loyalty, and To have a higher ability, virtue and talent must be coordinated.
This will actually put a lot of pressure on Hong Kong, mainly senior officials of the accountability system.
These groups also need to learn more, more comprehensively and comprehensively to apply "One Country, Two Systems."
It was also mentioned in the speech that not only must we learn "one country, two systems," but also apply "one country, two systems." This standard is even higher. We must have an overall view, ideals and beliefs, and ample responsibility ethics and ability to act.
01: According to this distinction, can the Hong Kong Alliance be elected to govern Hong Kong if it is not in this category?
Tian Feilong:
I think this may be suspected in the law. I wrote an article specifically that the actions of the stake are actually suspected of violating the National Security Law.
what is the reason?
The Stake’s program and actions call for the end of the one-party dictatorship, which is exactly what Xia Baolong said in Article 2 aimed at undermining the fundamental system of the country and undermining the socialist system led by the Chinese Communist Party.
According to the current program and the nature of the activities, Zhilianbai does not meet the Patriot standard.
The Hong Kong Stake held a candlelight parade in memory of Liu Xiaobo.
(Multidimensional reporter/photo)
Since the 1990s in Hong Kong, some of the original political organizations and propositions that existed in Hong Kong, such as Falun Gong and other radical anti-state and anti-communist, or even vague non-state but anti-communist, separating and opposing the state and the Communist Party of China, are in the existing Under the requirement of "patriots ruling Hong Kong", it should be said that there must be a re-examination, and there is a legal risk of political failure.
01: The difference between anti-Communist and anti-China you mentioned also includes scolding the Communist Party, which is also a concern of society at present. Xia Baolong said, "The Communist Party of China led the people to create the People's Republic of China. In our country where socialist democracy is practiced, dissident political opinions can be allowed, but there is a red line here, that is, it must not be allowed to damage the fundamental system of the country. It is something that damages the socialist system led by the Communist Party of China. "One country, two systems" is an important part of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The Communist Party of China is the leader of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the founder of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy, and the cause of "One Country, Two Systems". If a person claims to support "One Country, Two Systems" but opposes the founder and leader of "One Country, Two Systems", isn't that self-contradictory?" Hong Kong people's worries are that in the future, will they not be able to criticize the Communist Party? Is it "Patriots ruling Hong Kong" or "Party lovers ruling Hong Kong"?
Tian Feilong:
I think Hong Kong’s worries are right. It
hits
the key to the self-adjustment of "patriots ruling Hong Kong."
Traditional scolding of the Communist Party is allowed as long as it does not turn into action.
In April 1987, when Deng Xiaoping met with members of the Basic Law Drafting Committee, he pointed out: "There are some things. For example, after 1997, someone in Hong Kong scolded the Chinese Communist Party and China. We still allow him to scold, but if it becomes an action, Hong Kong must be turned into What about a base that opposes the mainland under the guise of "democracy"? It must not intervene." Under the standard of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" in the new era, this limit may have to be reconsidered.
According to Xia Baolong's speech, the party and the state are more closely integrated in the standard of "patriots ruling Hong Kong."
Scolding the Communist Party also needs to distinguish between situations. If it is scolding made out of nothing, scolding rumors, or even attacking the system, such as using the new crown pneumonia epidemic to attack the system and the system, this is not allowed, although it has not been converted into action. Such remarks are also inflammatory and harmful, and will affect Hong Kong citizens’ trust and recognition of one country, two systems and the country.
As for the transformation into action, it is even more impossible.
The National Security Law of Hong Kong targets and regulates this.
Hong Kong society must be adjusted according to the current legal environment and the complete requirements of patriots ruling Hong Kong.
01: This boundary is not easy to grasp, will it eventually go to the other extreme? For example, different political opinions are not allowed.
Tian Feilong: The
borders are not
easy
to grasp, to force them to turn into "loyal opposition". "Loyal opposition" means that they have the country in their hearts and truly respect and maintain the fundamental system of the country and the constitutional order of the special zone.
The supervision of public power under this premise, including criticism of the SAR government and even the central government, is completely permitted and guaranteed by the Basic Law.
However, it is no longer possible for the former endless and unconstrained scolding and criticism to act together with foreign countries.
For example, some controversial historical events such as June 4th, if it is only to use historical commemoration, academic discussion, or even a different understanding of democracy, it is okay to carry out some research and expression, but if it is like a stake It would further extend to fabricating facts and demanding an end to the one-party dictatorship.
Even in an environment like Hong Kong, there will be a limit to talking about June 4th, because according to the National Security Law and the new requirements of "patriots ruling Hong Kong," relevant words and deeds cannot touch upon the subversive criticism and incitement of the country's fundamental system.
01: From "love the country and love Hong Kong" to "patriots ruling Hong Kong", the element of "respecting the party" is obviously added. It can also be seen as a change from "love the country and love Hong Kong" to "love the country, respect the party, and love Hong Kong."
Tian Feilong:
This understanding is relatively accurate, and there is this trend.
The country in "Patriot ruling Hong Kong" is a specific country, which is the People's Republic of China. To love the country is to love the People's Republic of China.
This country is also a socialist China under the leadership of the Communist Party in the Chinese Constitution. This is clear and full of flesh and blood.
The central authorities did not require that in addition to patriotism, the party should be loved separately, but the party’s leadership of the country must be respected.
If you don’t respect the party’s leadership over the country, it would be equivalent to splitting the country and dividing the country into two pieces, as if part of it is opposed to the party’s leadership.
This is not allowed in the Chinese Constitution and in the Chinese political system, and it is also unscientific and unreasonable.
It is true that you must love the country and respect the party, especially respect the leadership of the party, and recognize the proper status and legitimacy of the party, but you do not need to love it. Of course, asking to join the party after confirming your faith is another matter.
Xi Jinping attended the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and presented a basket of flowers to the martyrs of the War of Resistance Against Japan.
(Xinhua News Agency)
01: Prior to this, there were constant voices in the United States that opposed the Chinese Communist Party and the people, that is, opposed the party and the country. At the symposium to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi Jinping made five "no promises" statements. One of them was "Anyone or any force attempts to separate the Chinese Communist Party from the Chinese people." When confronted with each other, the Chinese people will never agree to it." The unity of patriotism and respect for the party in "Patriots Governing Hong Kong" is actually in this context.
Tian Feilong:
Hong Kong and the overseas world are accustomed to separating the party and the country, and separating the country and the people. Now it is equivalent to making a complete interpretation of the country from the constitution and academic theory.
Affirming the party’s leadership factor as the core factor of the state system and affirming it in the "one country, two systems" and "patriots ruling Hong Kong" is actually consolidating the political foundation of a socialist country.
"Patriots governing Hong Kong" is a rational move to clean up the democratic political ecology of Hong Kong. It opens up an ideal political game platform for all politicians who are truly willing to comply with the law and have the spirit of social public service.
On this game platform, everyone can engage in constructive thinking, action, debate, competition, gaming, and progress on "One Country, Two Systems" under the standards of patriots.
This is a very important opportunity for Hong Kong's democracy to change from chaos to governance, from radical to rational.
Apart from extremists in Hong Kong, all parties in Hong Kong should regard this as an opportunity for Hong Kong's democracy to start again, strive to meet the standards of a patriot, and do things that are truly beneficial to Hong Kong and the country as a patriot.
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