Q: US and British officials expressed their disappointment and concerns over the latest decision made by China's NPC Standing Committee on the development of the political structure in Hong Kong, alleging that the decision does not accord with the principle of "a high degree of autonomy" as guaranteed under the Sino-British Joint Declaration. What is your comment?
A: I need to stress in the first place that the NPC Standing Committee (NPCSC) of China has indisputable right to make decisions on matters relating to the development of Hong Kong's political structure in accordance with the Basic Law and the latest NPCSC Interpretation. We strongly reject US and British officials' remarks. Their remarks were made in total disregard of the actual situation in Hong Kong and constitute an interference in China's internal affairs.
Any unbiased people would note that there was no democracy at all for Hong Kong residents before Hong Kong's return. It was only after Hong Kong's handover and upon the full implementation of the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", a high degree of autonomy and the Basic Law that Hong Kong residents began to enjoy extensive rights and freedoms according to law, such as the right to participate in the process of selecting the Chief Executive.
The first-term Chief Executive was elected by a 400-member Selection Committee. The second-term Chief Executive was elected by an 800-member Selection Committee. As regards the election of the 60-member Legislative Council, the number of seats for geographical constituencies through direct elections has increased from 20 in the first-term to 24 in the second-term. The number will increase to 30 in the upcoming election of the third-term Legislative Council in September. These developments clearly indicate that the methods for selecting the Chief Executive and for forming the Legislative Council do have full regard to the actual situation in Hong Kong and conform to the principle of gradual and orderly progress.
The NPCSC decision on issues relating to the methods for selecting the Chief Executive in 2007 and for forming the Legislative Council in 2008 is an important decision concerning the development of the political structure in the HKSAR. The decision is of great and far-reaching significance to the full implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law, and to the effective protection of the interests of Hong Kong compatriots from all walks of life. It will contribute significantly to a gradual, orderly and sound development of democracy in the HKSAR as stipulated in the Basic Law and to Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
Prior to its decision, the NPCSC has carefully considered the report submitted by the HKSAR Chief Executive and consulted different sectors of the Hong Kong community. The decision is made in strict accordance with the procedures prescribed by law. Its contents are fully in line with the principles stipulated in the Basic Law, such as developing democracy in Hong Kong in the light of its actual situation, and the gradual and orderly progress. The decision reflects the consistent position of the Central Government to support and promote the development of democracy in the HKSAR.