In his excellent essay, "China's Socialist Unitary State and its Capitalist Administrative Regions," Russian Law Journal 9(2):92-124 (2021) (my reflections here) explains:
a more recent trend from the CPC and the CPG’s station in Hong Kong involves the Liaison office’s director or spokesperson making speeches and issuing statements on matters of public concern in Hong Kong. From the perspective of democratic centralism, this has to be regarded as an assertion of leadership and ideological tutelage over the official governmental institutions of the HKSar. While the CPC has not “come out” in Hong Kong yet, it is clear that it is a pervasive presence in Hong Kong, with its policies to be learned by all concerned with the administration of the HKSar. (p. 112)
Those pronouncement, then, may be worth some consideration, if only as evidence of the evolving view of Hong Kong autonomy by the central authorities. It is with that in mind that one might approach the Spring Festival greetings (2022) delivered by Luo Huining, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. These are remarks that express the increasing confidence of the central authorities in their victory emerging from the Hong Kong protests of 2019-2020. In this case, of course, it does more; its suggests the discursive frameworks within which the work of the autonomous local authorities will undertake their work. What emerges from the Spring festival greetings is a determination to maintain barriers against foreign corruption (either of disease or otherwise), to more deeply embed the HKSAR within its broader regional context, and to refashion the SAR as a Chinese international city. For internationalists and those who continue to emphasize the 'Two Systems' principle, the speech serves as yet another conformation of the growing distance between the power of that principle and the realities being made on the ground in Hong Kong--and with foreign engagement now reduced to an increasingly empty idea; or better put, transformed into a rhetorical trope to appease external audiences in certain governance and vanguard circles.
Those remarks-- Let history illuminate the future of Hong Kong (original 来源: 中央政府驻港联络办 ) follow below in the original Chinese and official English translaiton with some brief reflections.
Brief Reflections:
2. The key focus of the remarks was again on the National Security law. Here the underlying discourse was the support of the masses for the policy and application of the NSL. The underlying discursive trope was that of the patriotic front and the idea that the NSL made democracy better for patriots and denied foreign and corrupt elements the power to subvert. Again, these are themes that are likely to see further refinement and projection outward. I expect to see it projected outward to outbound migration.
3. Lastly, the remarks reinforced the contemporary line about the 'One Country-Two Systems' principle. All of the elements are here but in condensed form--looking back, at the present, and to the future. The discursive form is well developed. First, the principle has now been reconstituted to better conform to the developments of Chinese political theory in the new historical era ("Now that the practice of "one
country, two systems" in Hong Kong is at a new historical starting
point, we need to draw wisdom and strength from history, so as to find answers to major issues that concern different sectors and the people of Hong Kong"). Second, that the principle is an essential element of Chinese Marxist Leninist theory applied with local characteristics and deeply connected with the leadership responsibility of the vanguard Party reflecting the support of patriots and able to withstand the efforts of foreign interference and internal enemies ("All facts point to the conclusion that the principle of "one country, two systems", which was created, developed and championed by the Communist Party of China, is a sound arrangement; the strategy to align Hong Kong’s development with that of the nation is sensible; and Hong Kong compatriots, as masters of their own house, are capable"). Third, the principle facilitates the inevitable merging of Hing Kong's future and development with that of the Pearl River area ("the key lies in Hong Kong acquiring the historical consciousness to resolutely integrate into the overall development of the country."). Fourth, the counter-revolutionary element remains undefeated and against them the state and the local patriotic elements must remain vigilant--the task of government reform is to isolate and rectify this challenge (" It is also worth noting that while Hong Kong craves lasting peace and stability, there always will be hostile forces that refuse to accept defeat. Acts of complacency or dodging responsibility will only stifle the spirit to fight and the courage to reform."). Lastly, the principle must be understood as synonymous with the objectives of stability and prosperity.
__________
香港中联办主任骆惠宁发表2022年新春致辞
来源: 中央政府驻港联络办 发布时间: 2022-01-26让历史之光照亮香港未来
——2022年新春致辞
（2022年1月26日）
中央政府驻港联络办主任 骆惠宁
骆惠宁主任发表新春致辞。（图片来源：中央政府驻港联络办）
各位朋友，各位市民：
大家好！虎年新春即将到来，我代表中联办全体同仁，给屏幕前的各位、给广大香港市民拜个早年！
过去一年，是国家“两个一百年”奋斗目标相交汇的一年。世界百年未有之大变局和新冠肺炎疫情全球大流行交织影响，中国之治与西方之乱形成鲜明对比。中国共产党带领中国人民经过长期奋斗，如期实现了第一个百年奋斗目标，在中华大地上全面建成了小康社会，正意气风发向着全面建成社会主义现代化强国的第二个百年奋斗目标迈进。一个坚韧不拔、欣欣向荣的中国告诉我们，实现中华民族伟大复兴已经进入不可逆转的历史进程。
过去一年，是香港开启“一国两制”新局面的一年。随着香港国安法深入实施，选举制度修改完善，两场重要选举成功举行，“爱国者治港”原则得到落实，香港气象一新。忘不了庆祝中国共产党百年华诞，维港两岸喜庆热烈的氛围；忘不了选委会、立法会选举，候选人比政纲、摆街站、访选民的场景；忘不了全港中小学校园，孩子们开始每天面向五星红旗注目行礼，也忘不了我和中联办同事一起登渔船、走笼屋、访商户、探街坊，切身体会到大家对重获安宁的欣慰、对更好生活的期盼。一个由乱到治、开启新局的香港告诉我们，一切反中乱港势力妄想搞乱香港这个家的图谋永远不会得逞。
各位朋友、各位市民！
习近平主席深刻指出，“历史是一面镜子，它照亮现实，也照亮未来”。当前，香港“一国两制”实践已经站在新的历史起点上，要回答好前进道路上各界长期关心、市民普遍关注的重大问题，尤其需要我们从历史中获得智慧、汲取力量。
有人问，对香港的“一国两制”怎么看？我要说，香港回归以来走过的非凡历程，足以让我们对“一国两制”充满历史自信。习近平主席在多个重要场合指出，“一国两制”是行得通、办得到、得人心的，上个月再次强调“中央将继续坚定不移贯彻‘一国两制’方针”。近25年来，尽管遭受过重大疫情和经济危机的冲击，经历过“黑暴”“揽炒”的严峻局面，尽管总有人企图将民主发展引入歧途，总有人从未放弃搞乱香港，但在中国共产党的坚强领导下，在祖国内地的坚定支持下，香港不仅顶住了，而且站稳了，“东方之珠”尘霾洗尽、魅力之都更胜往昔。回顾走过的路，那些唱衰“一国两制”的从未如愿、破坏 “一国两制”的不得人心。事实证明，中国共产党创立、发展和捍卫的“一国两制”好，与国家同发展共进步的道路对，当家作主的香港同胞行！
有人问，对香港的发展前景怎么看？我要说，未来充满希望，关键是要有坚定融入国家发展大局的历史自觉。香港的发展面临挑战，不进则退。但也要看到，香港独有的优势仍在，竞争的实力仍强，在新冠疫情冲击下仍然实现了恢复性增长，全球竞争力排名依然靠前。更重要的是，世界的机遇在中国，香港的机遇在内地。新时代新征程上，中央更加重视香港的特殊优势和独特作用，一系列战略规划中都有“香港角色”，香港融入国家发展大局的“接口”在不断增多。那些感叹香港作用弱化的悲观情绪，那些犹豫不决的裹足行为，只会让香港错失机遇。中华民族伟大复兴的大势不可阻挡，世界发展进步的潮流浩浩荡荡。只要把“发挥自身所长、对接国家所需”这篇大文章做好，香港就一定能在百年未有之大变局中有更大担当，在建设现代化强国的新征程上有更大作为。
有人问，对香港实现良政善治怎么看？我要说，机遇条件前所未有，但还要有乘势而上、稳中求进的历史主动。去年以来，很多人感慨，香港变了，前行的路更宽了，大家都满怀热忱，期待良政善治新局面，这是符合历史发展大逻辑的。但也要看到，良政善治是一个过程，实现这个愿景，还有一些制度和机制需要建立健全，还有不少深层次矛盾和问题需要推动解决。还要看到，“树欲静而风不止”，总有那么一些势力不会善罢甘休。以为可以“躺赢”而懈怠，或是遇到难题就绕道，只会失去奋斗的激情和变革的勇气。更要看到，良政善治，既要靠特区管治团队的积极作为，也要靠社会各界的共同努力。眼下最重要的是同心抗疫，共克时艰。相信只要大家携起手来，齐心攻坚克难，香港这个家就一定能持续向好、不负众望。
各位朋友，各位市民！
习近平主席在今年的新年贺词中深情谈到，“祖国一直牵挂着香港、澳门的繁荣稳定。只有和衷共济、共同努力，‘一国两制’才能行稳致远”。中联办与广大香港同胞同处狮子山下，与大家和衷共济、共同努力是我们的分内之责。新的一年，我们将恪尽职守、忠诚履职，继续推动落实中央全面管治权，继续坚定支持特区政府依法施政，继续广泛深入听取市民心声，继续当好香港与内地的桥梁纽带，与广大香港同胞一道，共同推动香港这个家走向更加美好的未来！
祝大家虎年身体健康，心想事成，虎虎生威！谢谢！
Luo Huining: Let history illuminate the future of Hong Kong
来源: 中央政府驻港联络办 发布时间: 2022-01-26Let history illuminate the future of Hong Kong
-- Chinese New Year Speech 2022
Luo Huining
Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(January 26, 2022)
Good afternoon, friends and Hong Kong residents.
As we draw closer to the Year of the Tiger, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you and the people of Hong Kong a happy Lunar New Year, and I do so on behalf of my colleagues at the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Last year marked the convergence of China's two centenary goals. In a world that underwent major changes unseen in a century and the COVID-19 pandemic, the impressive performance of China constituted a stark contrast to the disorder of the West. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and through relentless efforts, the Chinese people have achieved the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and are marching with confidence toward the second centenary goal of building a strong modern socialist country. A resilient and thriving China has embarked on an irreversible historical course of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Last year also marked a new chapter for the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong. The city has taken on a brand new look following the further implementation of the National Security Law, the improvement to the electoral system, the successful completion of two major elections and the effectuation of the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”. Still fresh in my memory are the festivities at Victoria Harbor in celebration of the centenary of the Communist Party of China; the campaigns of candidates contesting the Election Committee and Legislative Council elections by competing on manifestos, setting up street stalls and visiting the electorates; and the daily on-campus ceremonies for school children to salute the national flag. I also remember visiting fishing boats, subdivided flats, shop owners and neighborhood folks, in the company of my colleagues at the Liaison Office, which gave me first hand understanding of local residents’ satisfaction at the return of peace and stability, and their longing for better lives. We are confident that as Hong Kong has turned a new page after restoring order from chaos, any attempts by anti-China forces and local saboteurs to disrupt Hong Kong are doomed to fail.
Friends and Hong Kong residents!
As was noted by President Xi Jinping, history is a mirror that sheds light on both the present and the future. Now that the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is at a new historical starting point, we need to draw wisdom and strength from history, so as to find answers to major issues that concern different sectors and the people of Hong Kong.
To people who sought my views on the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong, my answer is that the extraordinary journey travelled by Hong Kong since its return to the motherland suffices to justify our historical confidence in "one country, two systems." President Xi has pointed out on multiple occasions that the principle of "one country, two systems" is fully applicable, achievable, and popular. Last month, he reiterated that the central authorities will continue to unswervingly implement the policy of "one country, two systems". Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong has encountered a multitude of challenges, including the onslaught of major epidemics and economic crises, the noxious politics of “black terror” and "mutual destruction", and the persistent attempts by some people to misdirect the course of democratic development and to destabilize Hong Kong. However, under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China and with the firm support of the mainland, Hong Kong has surmounted those challenges and held its ground. “The Pearl of the Orient” has reemerged with renewed luster and glamour. As we reflect on the journey travelled thus far, we see that the naysayers and saboteurs of the "one country, two systems" principle have invariably ended up being disappointed and against the will of the people. All facts point to the conclusion that the principle of "one country, two systems", which was created, developed and championed by the Communist Party of China, is a sound arrangement; the strategy to align Hong Kong’s development with that of the nation is sensible; and Hong Kong compatriots, as masters of their own house, are capable.
To people who sought my views on the development prospects of Hong Kong, my answer is that Hong Kong has a promising future, and the key lies in Hong Kong acquiring the historical consciousness to resolutely integrate into the overall development of the country. In the face of challenges, Hong Kong either flourishes or declines. But it is evident that many of Hong Kong's unique advantages and competitiveness remain intact. Despite the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong's economy stays on an upward trajectory and a frontrunner in global competitiveness. More important still is that the world looks to China for opportunities, and opportunities abound on the mainland for Hong Kong. Upon entering the new era, the central authorities have attached even greater importance to the unique advantages and roles of Hong Kong, which has been incorporated into a slew of national strategic plans, and is thus having a growing number of platforms for its integration into the overall development of the country. A city that wallows in self-pity due to diminished roles and drags its feet will miss out on the opportunities ahead. China’s march toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is inexorable, and the world is forging ahead. As long as Hong Kong excels in leveraging its strengths to serve the country’s needs, it is sure to assume greater responsibilities amid the major changes unseen in a century, and to make greater contributions on China's new journey toward building a great modern country.
To people who sought my views on Hong Kong’s capability to achieve good governance, my answer is that Hong Kong, despite having more favorable conditions and opportunities than ever before, would still need to take the historical initiative to build on the momentum and pursue steady progress. Since last year, many people have witnessed the fascinating changes in Hong Kong, and the road forward has become broader. Full of enthusiasm, people are looking forward to a new chapter of sound governance, which accords with the logic of historical development. But to achieve good governance, some of the corresponding systems and mechanisms will have to be established and improved, while many deep-seated contradictions and problems will need to be resolved. It is also worth noting that while Hong Kong craves lasting peace and stability, there always will be hostile forces that refuse to accept defeat. Acts of complacency or dodging responsibility will only stifle the spirit to fight and the courage to reform. It is even more critical that achieving good governance depends not only on the initiative of the HKSAR's governing team, but also on the collective efforts of the community. It is imperative now to fight the pandemic and weather the trying times with concerted efforts. I have confidence that as long as we pull together to overcome difficulties, a promising future will surely be in store for Hong Kong and its people.
Friends and Hong Kong residents!
When delivering his 2022 New Year Address, President Xi noted that “the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is always close to the heart of the motherland. Only with unity and concerted efforts can we ensure sound implementation of 'one country, two systems' in the long run". Sharing the Lion Rock with Hong Kong compatriots, those of us at the Liaison Office are duty bound to work in concerted efforts with the local community. In the Year of the Tiger, we will fulfill our duties to the best of what we can, as well as continue to promote the implementation of the Central Government’s comprehensive jurisdiction, firmly support the law-based governance of the HKSAR government, attentively listen to the voices of local residents, serve as a bridge between Hong Kong and the mainland, and team up with Hong Kong compatriots in building a better future for our common home!
I wish you all good health, success and strength in the Year of the Tiger! Thank you!
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