The State Council Information Office yesterday (20th) published a white paper on "Democratic Development in Hong Kong under "One Country, Two Systems". The Secretary of Justice Zheng Ruohua published a blog today (21st), stating that the white paper clearly stated that Hong Kong had never been democratic under British colonial rule. The Sino-British Joint Declaration does not mention universal suffrage at all.
She emphasized that after the return of Hong Kong, democratic development began with the support of the central government. As the non-permanent judge of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, Lord Shum Yiu-sin pointed out, the United Kingdom did not grant Hong Kong democracy.
Zheng Ruohua also pointed out that everyone must bear in mind that the Communist Party of China is the founder and leader of the "One Country, Two Systems" policy and cause: "The original intention of the Communist Party of China is to seek happiness for the people and adhere to the people-centered development thinking. This is democratic. Truly." She emphasized that the "One Country, Two Systems" policy put forward by the state sets the blueprint for the development of Hong Kong's democracy and ushering in a new era of democracy in Hong Kong.
Zheng Ruohua said that after the reunification, the power of final adjudication belongs to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Court of Final Appeal in accordance with the Basic Law, and Hong Kong's rule of law index rose to 82.5 points in 1998.
(Profile picture)
Sino-British statement did not mention the development of democracy after the return of universal suffrage
Zheng Ruohua mentioned in his blog that before the reunification, Hong Kong’s power of final adjudication was vested in the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London, and Hong Kong’s rule of law index was only 69.85 points in 1996; The rule of law index rose to 82.5 in 1998, and has maintained a score of 90 or more since 2003. She believes this proves that "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law have consolidated the foundation of Hong Kong's rule of law.
She also pointed out that China added Article 31 to the 1982 Constitution to lay a legal foundation for Hong Kong. Then, based on the principle of "one country, two systems," 12 basic policies were formed to allow Hong Kong to make a smooth transition and return.
Zheng Ruohua stated that the National People’s Congress passed the Basic Law in 1990 to establish Hong Kong’s democratic development. Articles 45 and 68 set out the goal of universal suffrage based on Hong Kong’s actual conditions and the principle of gradual and orderly progress.
Zheng Ruohua pointed out that after Hong Kong has perfected its electoral system, it can embody patriots ruling Hong Kong, showing the characteristics of broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation, and fair competition.
(Photo by Lu Yiming)
Election is not the only way to consult and consult is also a democratic channel
Zheng Ruohua believes that after the social riots in 2019, the Central Government’s enactment of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" for Hong Kong and the improvement of the election system can reflect "patriots ruling Hong Kong" and demonstrate broad representation, political inclusiveness, balanced participation and fair competition. Sexual characteristics: "It not only safeguards the security of the regime, but also helps safeguard and realize democratic rights; it not only develops electoral democracy, but also strengthens deliberative democracy." She believes that members of the Legislative Council will objectively and rationally participate in policy discussions in the future, which will help the government deal with economic and people's livelihood issues , Improve governance efficiency.
Zheng Ruohua emphasized that every place has different historical, cultural and political backgrounds. There is no panacea that can be applied to every place in the world. "Elections are not the only way of a democratic system. Consultation and consultation are also channels of democratic forms."
The white paper gives the green light to political reform?
Liu Zhaojia said that it is too early to say: the low voter rate proves that there are no sufficient conditions for the State Council to publish the white paper on Hong Kong democracy: resolutely implement the principle of "patriots ruling Hong Kong" Beijing white paper: the new election system and the new atmosphere of democracy can safeguard sovereignty security and reduce political internal consumption
