Policy Address

Chapter II    Fully, Faithfully and Resolutely Implement the "One Country, Two Systems" Principle

(A) Fully and Faithfully Implement "One Country, Two Systems"

14. "One Country, Two Systems" is the cornerstone of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and we must stay committed to the cause. With a resolute commitment, we will continue to fully and faithfully implement the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy. Practical experience has proven that by upholding the principle of "One Country" and leveraging the advantages of "Two Systems", Hong Kong is able to make better use of its strengths and seize the opportunities presented by our country's development, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".

(B) Safeguard National Security

15. The fundamental premise of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. In the face of intricate risks and complex challenges amid the accelerating changes not seen in a century, we must establish a bottom-line mindset to mitigate risks and hidden threats. Safeguarding national security is a never-ending process and a continuing mission of the HKSAR.

16. The successive implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has provided better protection for the security of our country and Hong Kong. We will continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, upholding the unity of the Central Government's fundamental responsibility and the HKSAR's constitutional responsibility for safeguarding national security.

17. We will follow a holistic approach to development and security. Security must never be overlooked in promoting development. High-quality development must be safeguarded by high-level security; in turn high-level security must be underpinned by high-quality development.

18. Our implementation of measures safeguarding national security has brought a sense of stability, certainty and predictability to the market. Hong Kong is a "safe harbour", and a "safe harbour" is a "harbour for development". Security has become a clear advantage for Hong Kong's development.

19. To respect and abide by the national security laws is not only a responsibility, but also an obligation of each and every one of us. The HKSAR Government will continue to reinforce promotional and educational efforts in respect of national security. The National Security Exhibition Gallery, the first physical national security education base in Hong Kong, has attracted over 1.9 million visitors since its launch in August 2024. The Government will expand the gallery and enrich its contents to promote the concept that "security brings prosperity".

(C) Uphold and Enhance the Executive-Led System

20. The HKSAR Government will uphold its executive-led system and assume its main responsibility. It performs the roles and functions of a co-ordinator, facilitator and enabler, and enhances its working mechanism for advancing various areas of work through pragmatic and effective measures. These measures maintain social stability, support high-quality economic development, and enhance people's well-being.

21. Under the principle of executive-led governance, the executive authorities and the legislature check and balance and co-operate with each other. Both focus on jointly addressing social issues, developing the economy and improving people's livelihood.

(D) Implement the Principle of "Patriots Administering Hong Kong"

22. Since the improvement of the HKSAR's electoral system in 2021 and district governance system in 2023, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" has been fully implemented, providing solid institutional safeguards for the steadfast and successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".

23. The HKSAR will devote its efforts to preparing for the Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections to be held on 22 November this year, as well as the Chief Executive Election and the District Council Ordinary Election next year. We will ensure that these elections are conducted in a fair, just, honest, safe and orderly manner.

24. We will strengthen patriotic forces with affection for the country and our city, placing particular emphasis on nurturing young people and uniting patriots from all sectors in the community. By establishing communication platforms, we will create a more extensive network of patriotic groups, working in unison to resolve challenges.

(E) Promote Patriotic Education

Strengthen Affection for and Sense of Belonging to the Country

25. We will align with the strategic initiative of "fostering virtue through education in the new era" under the 15th Five-Year Plan, as well as enhancing students' sense of national identity and building their cultural confidence. To that end, we will extend the promotion of activities for the Constitution and Basic Law Student Ambassadors Training Scheme to all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools. We will also launch a new national security education online platform to tie in with the updated Curriculum Framework of National Security Education in Hong Kong, and provide more learning and teaching resources as well as teacher training courses on national geography.

26. We will deepen patriotic education for young people by making good use of the Mainland's resources to deliver multi-faceted and content-rich exchange and internship activities as well as designating annual themes, such as the country's aerospace achievements and the supply of Dongjiang water to Hong Kong. This will enable young people to witness first-hand the country's development and achievements, deepening their understanding of the nation's history and culture as well as its enduring bond and kinship with Hong Kong.

Promote Hometown Culture

27. Since the launch of the Clansmen Culture Promotion Scheme in 2024, annual funding of $10 million has been provided to subsidise the organisation of activities in promoting hometown culture. The Scheme has so far funded over 100 such activities of clansmen associations. Starting from the 2027-28 financial year, the Government will continue to earmark funding of $10 million annually to support clansmen associations in organising more activities, with particular emphasis on deepening young people's understanding of and sense of belonging to their hometowns.

Enrich Patriotic Education Resources

28. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Long March. Yan'an is a sacred place of the Chinese revolution and the cradle of New China. With the support of the Central Government, we will list the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Shaanxi Province as the second patriotic education base for the youth of the HKSAR in the Mainland, and encourage students and young people to visit the place for study. We will continue to communicate with relevant Mainland departments on the inclusion of more patriotic education facilities to enrich Hong Kong's patriotic education resources.

Establish a Museum to Showcase the Development and Achievements of Our Country

29. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is collaborating with relevant national museums, including the National Museum of China and the Museum of the Communist Party of China, to take forward the preparatory work for the establishment of a museum in Kwu Tung North. The museum will focus on the development and achievements of our country, showcasing our country's rapid progress and remarkable achievements in such areas as technology, sports and culture. It will also highlight Hong Kong's role in national development and the unique advantages of "One Country, Two Systems".

Promote Chinese Culture

30. The Chinese Culture Promotion Office has since its establishment in April 2024 organised various well-received exhibitions, with the Chinese Culture Festival and the General History of China Exhibition Series curated as annual flagship brands. The Chinese Culture Festival will continue to feature high-quality projects, showcasing profound traditional Chinese culture to tell the good stories of China to the world.