Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive
Donald Tsang said on Monday that the implementation of 'One
Country, Two Systems' has been a success in Hong Kong.
Tsang said in a letter named "Hong Kong Letter - Just because
you are here", which was broadcast on Radio Television Hong Kong
(RTHK) on Monday morning, that the ten years since 1997 was a
significant period of time for Hong Kong.
"Looking back over the past decade, Hong Kong people will have
different thoughts and recount different experiences." "My feelings
are a mix of joy and grief, " he said.
Tsang said the past decade has been full of challenges. Since
its return to the motherland 10 years ago, Hong Kong people have
encountered unprecedented difficulties, including the Asian
financial turmoil, avian influenza and SARS. But ultimately Hong
Kong people weathered all these crises.
"I remember the stress, the sadness and, at times, the total
exhaustion brought about by these challenges. But, I also remember
our society overcoming these difficulties, and the maturity of Hong
Kong people in dealing with them," Tsang said.
Tsang reviewed that many Hong Kongers were rather skeptical
about the concept of "One Country, Two Systems." But at present
Hong Kong enjoys a closer relationship with the mainland. Hong Kong
people communicate and co-operate with the mainland every day for
business, travel and cultural exchanges.
"Surveys have shown our sense of national identity is the
strongest it has been," Tsang added. "we can truly say that the
implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' has been a
success."
"We can certainly strive to do even better; but we can also say
that our achievements in implementing this unprecedented
undertaking have been truly remarkable," he said.
At the end of the letter, Tsang stressed that "Never settle for
mediocrity, strive for excellence" is a mantra he holds for
himself, and his administration. He promised to build a more open
government and lift the economy to new heights in his new term in
the next five years.
(Xinhua News Agency June 19, 2007)