People's Daily stresses "one country, two systems" for HK's prosperity, stability(02/19/04)

BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- Leading Chinese newspaper, the "People's Daily", is to run a commentary on Friday, pointing out the principle of "one country, two systems" is the fundamental guarantee of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.

In June 1984, late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping made famous remarks on the concept of "one country, two systems," the commentary says, noting it is of great significance to review Deng's remarks before the 14th anniversary of the promulgation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Basic Law.

"One country, two systems" means that within the People's Republic of China (PRC), the main body of the nation will maintain the socialist system, while Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan continue under the capitalist system, and the aim is to fulfill peaceful reunification and maintain stability and prosperity in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, Deng is quoted by the commentary as saying.

The premise of the principle is "one country," which refers to the PRC, says the commentary, quoting Deng as saying "nothing can be discussed without trust in the PRC and the Chinese government."

The commentary demands respect for the PRC's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and the maintenance of China's unity and territorial integrity, as well as acknowledgment of socialism as the country's main body.

The alteration of socialism with Chinese characteristics led by the Communist Party of China will "end Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," Deng is quoted.

Deng also put forward the concept of "Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong," saying patriots, the main part of Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong, should respect the nation and sincerely uphold the country's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and should not damage Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, says the commentary.

The chief executive, major officials as well as members of the Executive Council, Legislative Council and all levels of courts must take oaths to uphold the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the commentary quotes the Basic Law as saying.

Any person governing Hong Kong or wishing to govern Hong Kong should adhere to those regulations, the commentary says.

The full understanding and implementation of "one country, two systems" means a combination of "one country" and "two systems," of "loving China" and "loving Hong Kong," of Hong Kong's high-degree autonomy and safeguarding of national sovereignty and of Hong Kong's capitalism and the mainland's socialism, says the commentary.

Mentioning the central government's adherence to the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law since 1997, the commentary says with support from the central government and the mainland, Hong Kong conquered challenges from Asian financial crises.

"One country, two systems" has strong vitality, and the review of Deng's remarks 20 years ago shows the central government's strong resolution to implementing the principle of "one country, two systems," says the commentary.

Despite risks and challenges in the future, Hong Kong will keeplong-term prosperity and stability with the backing of the socialist motherland and adherence to the principle of "one country, two systems," says the commentary.

BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhuanet) -- The Taiwan Democratic Self-government League Thursday called on Taiwan people, native or not, to join up to realize the reunification across the Taiwan Straits as soon as possible.

Zhang Kehui, chairman of the party's central committee, made the statement at a ceremony to mark the 57th anniversary of an uprising which took place in Taiwan on Feb. 28, 1947.

An armed protest broke out on that date in Taiwan against the ruling Kuomintang government. Thousands of Taiwan people were killed in the fight.

The uprising was against oppression and a courageous drive for Taiwan people to seek democracy instead of a conflict between native Taiwan people and those from the mainland, Zhang said.

It was an important part of the revolution that aroused the whole China including the mainland against the despotic and corrupt government, Zhang said.

The uprising was by no means the start of "Taiwan independence," as Taiwan people fought with great patriotism in the revolt for democracy and self-government, he said.

The plot to realize "Taiwan independence" will severely endanger the basic interests and safety of people across the Straits and damage the future of Taiwan people, he added.

The Taiwan Democratic Self-government League was founded by several Taiwan patriots in Hong Kong in December 1947 after the uprising failed.

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