Yang Wenchang, new commissioner of China's Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), stressed Friday that the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law are the foundation ensuring Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
Speaking at the inauguration reception held by the Office of the Commissioner of China's Foreign Ministry, Yang Wenchang, who arrived here on Aug. 10 to take the post, said in the six years since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong's systems of economy, society, law, culture, education and religion have remained unchanged.
"Needless to say, 'one country, two systems' is a brand-new cause with no ready experience to draw upon," Yang said, adding that it has to be improved gradually through continuous exploration and practice.
"Problems and difficulties of one kind or another are unavoidable in the process. What we must emphasize here is that no difficulties can shake the resolve of our Government and people in achieving long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong," said Yang.
He said Hong Kong currently faces some similar difficulties as other East Asian countries and regions and causes for these difficulties are complex and multi-facetted.
"The Central Government will go all out to support whatever is in the interest of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and the common development of Hong Kong and the mainland," said the new commissioner.
Yang noted the Commissioner Office has, in the past six years, shouldered the lofty mission of exercising sovereignty in foreign affairs. During the course of its work, the Office has received great support and cooperation from the Hong Kong government, as well as understanding and assistance from friends of all circles in Hong Kong, he said.
"My colleagues and I are more than ready to work with you, such exchanges in my view will deepen our understanding and friendship and promote the friendly relations and cooperation," said Yang.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, Deputy directors of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in HKSAR Chen Fengying and Zheng Kunsheng, Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in HKSAR Wang Jitang, Political Commissar of the PLA Garrison Wang Yufa and other guests attended the inauguration reception.
(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2003)
