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| Pix credit here |
If one could reduce the impassioned speech of Xia Baolong (夏宝龙), Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, delivered at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 National Security Education Day in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on 15 April 2025 and entitled Ensuring High-quality Development with High-level Security Continuously Composing a New Chapter in the Practice of "One Country, Two Systems" (以高水平安全护航高质量发展 不断谱写“一国两制”实践新篇章), it would be this:
Currently, the practice of "One country, Two systems" has entered a new stage. The good situation in Hong Kong today has come at a great cost and should be treasured. We must consolidate and develop this good situation. However, the struggle is not yet over. Although the social situation in Hong Kong appears calm on the surface, there are still undercurrents, and the security situation remains very grave and complex. Those who are opposed to China and attempt to destabilize Hong Kong have not yet been eliminated. Some have fled abroad to make trouble, while others have whitewashed themselves and disguised as ordinary people, hiding and waiting for opportunities to stir up trouble in Hong Kong. Many people still have confused ideas, some sympathize with those who are opposed to China and attempt to destabilize Hong Kong , some justify them, and some admire, fear, worship, or fantasize about the U.S. Some people believe that as long as the economy develops, there will be no security issues. However, this is a typical case of burying one's head in the sand and deceiving oneself. In fact, countless examples demonstrate that wealth does not always bring security, prosperity or sustainability. Without security, how could Hong Kong have gone through the journey from chaos to governance? Without security, how could Hong Kong have gone through the journey from governance to greater prosperity? Without security, how could Hong Kong have a bright future? We must face the problems related to the development and security in Hong Kong, be vigilant and stay united. Every individual, group, enterprise and organization needs to work together with Hong Kong compatriots and all Chinese people to defend Hong Kong and the country, ensure high-quality development with high-level security, and promote the steady and sustained practice of "One country, Two systems".
Pix King Nan of Zhou
當前，「一國兩制」實踐進入了新階段。香港今天的良好局面來之殊為不易，是付出了巨大代價的，大家要倍加珍惜，把這個良好局面鞏固住、發展好。現在，鬥爭並沒有結束。香港社會面看似平靜，實則暗流湧動，安全形勢仍然十分嚴峻複雜。反中亂港分子並沒有被消滅，有些逃到國外興風作浪，有些撕下額頭上的標籤，偽裝成普通市民，隱匿在社會人群中伺機禍亂香港。不少人還有糊塗的想法，同情反中亂港分子者有之，為反中亂港分子開脫者有之，媚美、恐美、崇美、幻美者有之。有的人認為只要經濟發展了，就沒有安全問題了，這是典型的掩耳盜鈴、自欺欺人。事實上，富而不安、富而不強、富而不長的例子比比皆是。沒有安全哪來的香港由亂到治？沒有安全哪來的香港由治及興？沒有安全哪來的香港美好明天？大家要正視香港發展和安全面臨的問題，提高警惕、團結一致，每個人、每個社團、每個企業、每個組織，都要與香港同胞一道、與全國人民一起，保衛香港、保衛國家，打造高水平安全護航高質量發展，推進「一國兩制」實踐行穩致遠。
The importance of this portion of the remarks cannot be underestimated, but not for its rhetorical flourishes, though they do provide a moment of interest in the linguistic turns of articulating state policy and intention. But all of this was anticipated at the start of the 2019 turmoil, during which, and almost from the start, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office took the line that only finds refinement in the speech by its Director today (Discussed Larry Catá Backer Hong Kong Between One Country and Two Systems (2021) Chapter 20: Open-Shut (bai he 稗閤) Strategies: 习近平;止暴制乱 恢复秩序是香港当前最紧迫的任务 [Xi Jinping; Stopping the storm and restoring order is Hong Kong’s most urgent task at present] pp. 255-262).
What is now more evident is the conflation of anti-chaos strategies and the national security architecture, and with that the closer alignment between the national security architecture and the constitution of "One Country Two Systems." In other words, Official Xia has bluntly restated a proposition that has been more elegantly developed since 2020--that the privileges of "two systems" is entirely dependent on the proper functioning of the national security architecture; that this national security architecture can be understood as a legalized (and bureaucratized) manifestation of the "One Country" principle, and that the One Country principle determines the extent to which it is possible to realize "two systems" within Hong Kong. Underlying all of this is the continuation of the great patriotic campaigns in Hong Kong in which the elements of the fundamentals of the people's democratic dictatorship serve as the framework for the remedial operation of the security apparatus--democracy for patriots, dictatorship for the rest (Mao Zedong, On the People's Democratic Dictatorship (1949) ("The combination of these two aspects, democracy for the people and dictatorship over the reactionaries, is the people's democratic dictatorship.")). That is both fairly straightforward and easy to understand--"One Country" politically, "two systems" economically." The corollary, of course, is that foreigners have deliberately blinded themselves to this reality, one that has been made quite clear since 2019. That leaves wide open, though, the "as applied" questions--these also touch on the relationship between a national security architecture and the characteristics of "two systems" in the constitution and operation of all facets of life in Hong Kong as applied within its legal, economic, and governmental structures. Only foreigners appear to have failed to have gotten that message. Perhaps both the bluntness and the speed of the official translation into English were meant to drive home that point. Having said that, however, foreign powers can respond as they like--including by ramping up their programs of sanctions and propaganda in ways that may further their own interests now may easier by the deliver of the Chinese text.
And that leaves the economic sphere at the very center of the manifestation of "two systems" within the "One Country" principle--especially where, under Marxist-Leninist New Era theory, the separation between politics and economic activity is closely aligned with the CPC Basic Line as expressed in policy. That is, that economic activity is a complement to and the expression of the evolution of public policy in the field of economic activity, and that the variety of forms of economic activity permitted are both an acknowledgement of the requirements of a united front approach in the formative stages of the Socialist path, and in the longer run a stage in the development of a socialist economy. Official Xia also explained that connection at the end of his speech:
We believe that the business community and entrepreneurs can make Hong Kong their home, build their businesses, and contribute to both Hong Kong and the country with more practical actions. In the magnificent development history of Hong Kong, many world-renowned enterprises and entrepreneurs have emerged, taking concrete actions to build Hong Kong and serve the country, writing a vivid picture of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, and becoming business legends. In the current situation where the United States is exerting extreme pressure on us, there is a greater need for entrepreneurs to build and take root in Hong Kong with a strong resolve. It is hoped that Hong Kong's business community and entrepreneurs will continue to play a leading role in driving economic development, carry forward the fine tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, correctly understand the relationship between their own enterprises and the development of both Hong Kong and the nation, and always uphold righteousness and never forget national interests.
我们相信，工商界和企业家定能以港为家、倚港兴业，用更有力的实际行动建设香港、贡献国家。在香港波澜壮阔的发展史上，涌现出一大批世界知名的企业和企业家，用实干兴港、实业报国，书写了爱国爱港的生动画卷，也成就了让人津津乐道的商业传奇。在当前美国对我们极限打压的形势下，更需要企业家以“烈火金刚”的坚强品质建设香港、扎根香港。希望香港工商界和企业家继续发挥推动经济发展主力军作用，赓续爱国爱港优良传统，正确认识自身事业与香港发展、与国家发展的关系，永远不舍大义、不忘国家利益。
What ought to be remarkable is the alignment of the contemporary view of the state of Hong Kong SAR with that of the People's Republic in the first decade after its establishment in 1949, and especially the dynamic element in Mao Zedong's New Democracy theory. First one recalls the fundamental framework established before the establishment of the People's Republic--Mao Zedong, On New Democracy (January 1940).
In the new-democratic republic under the leadership of the proletariat, the state enterprises will be of a socialist character and will constitute the leading force in the whole national economy, but the republic will neither confiscate capitalist private property in general nor forbid the development of such capitalist production as does not "dominate the livelihood of the people", for China's economy is still very backward. * * * China's economy must develop along the path of the "regulation of capital" and the "equalization of landownership", and must never be "privately owned by the few"; we must never permit the few capitalists and landlords to "dominate the livelihood of the people"; we must never establish a capitalist society of the European-American type or allow the old semi-feudal society to survive. Whoever dares to go counter to this line of advance will certainly not succeed but will run into a brick wall. * * * Such is the economy of New Democracy.And the politics of New Democracy [peoples democratic dictatorship] are the concentrated expression of the economy of New Democracy. * * * Everybody knows that the Communist Party has an immediate and a future programme, a minimum and a maximum programme, with regard to the social system it advocates. For the present period, New Democracy, and for the future, socialism; these are two parts of an organic whole, guided by one and the same communist ideology.
One Country, Two Systems might then be understood both as a mirroring of the initial approach to the amalgamation of patriotic forces (in Hong Kong through the national security apparatus) sensitive to the need for variation in the movement toward a unified socialist, then then communist, economics. This notion of systemic variability as a starting point for the eventual unification of forces on the socialist path is refined in Mao Zedong's gloss on New Democracy in 1953:
The Right deviation manifests itself in three remarks:
"Firmly establish the new-democratic social order." That's a harmful formulation. In the transition period changes are taking place all the time and socialist factors are emerging every day. How can this "new-democratic social order" be "firmly established"? It would be very difficult indeed to "establish" it "firmly"! For instance, private industry and commerce are being transformed, and if an order is "established" in the second half of the year, it will no longer hold "firm" next year. And changes are taking place in mutual aid and co-operation in agriculture from year to year too. The period of transition is full of contradictions and struggles. Our present revolutionary struggle is even more profound than the revolutionary armed struggle of the past. It is a revolution that will bury the capitalist system and all other systems of exploitation once and for all. The idea, "Firmly establish the new-democratic social order", goes against the realities of our struggle and hinders the progress of the socialist cause * * * We have proposed a step-by-step transition to socialism. This is a better formulation. When we say "step-by-step", we mean that the steps are to be spread out over fifteen years and over the twelve months in each year. Going too fast means erring to the "Left", standing still means erring too much to the Right. We must oppose "Left" and Right deviations and make a step-by-step transition until the whole process is completed.(Mao Zedong, "Refute Right Deviationist Views that Depart From the General [Basic] Line" (June 15, 1953) [Part of a speech at a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. Here Comrade Mao Tsetung refuted the Right opportunist views, such as "firmly establish the new-democratic social order", put forward by Liu Shao-chi and others.]
The object, then, is the transition to socialism. The pragmatic realities, for now, is the utility of "two systems" in the service of revolutionary progress and the eventual realization of the Chinese Dream and with it the forward movement toward communism--for all of China. The emphasis then, and now under One Country Two Systems is the same--a necessary transition, one the timing of which is determined by both internal and external factors. And then all of this is bound up in a system differentiating reworking of the fundamental ordering premise of the State system--peoples democratic dictatorship. Official Xia might have been more elegant, but perhaps his audience expected the discursive approach he took.
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But the most provocative, and perhaps the least interesting part of the speech will receive greater attention, if only because it reduces both Chinese and American senior officials to the discourse of toddlers for the amusements of the press organs and their masses:
It is also a pipe dream for external forces to try to delay or even interrupt the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and bring us back to the tragic situation of being trampled upon. Washington's repeated attempts to suppress Hong Kong will only accelerate the demise of its proxies in Hong Kong which will ultimately backfire on itself. Let those American peasants wail before the 5,000-year-old civilization of the Chinese nation!
Pix credit here (Peasant Comrades Temper Your bodies Well)
外部勢力妄圖遲滯甚至中斷中華民族偉大復興，讓我們回到過去任人宰割的悲慘境地，那是癡心妄想！美國一而再、再而三對香港進行遏制打壓，換來的只能是其在香港的代理人的加速滅亡，最終必將反噬其自身。讓美國那些「鄉巴佬們」在中華民族五千年文明面前去哀鳴吧！
Of course, discursively it is likely that such a response was necessary after the American Vice President Vance chose to characterize the financial relations between the United States and China in colorful and provocative ways: "Vance, appearing on Fox News just weeks ago, had a lot to say about the effects of globalization. But it was one phrase that drew the most attention: 'We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things that Chinese peasants manufacture.'” (Economic Times). The BBC Chinese edition noted the connection (here).
“We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things that Chinese peasants manufacture.”
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| Pix Credit here (Hongwu Emperor) |
Whatever the psychology or strategy, the episode provided a moment of naughty delight, of course, for people who enjoy officially sponsored reality TV style discourse. And it provided a moment's relief from the realities that the current global political class has found unusually impossible to either grasp or resolve. Still, perhaps more important was this other bit of provocation tit for tat--a contemporary updating of the rhetoric of China's 19th century troubles and its overturning through the contemporary rhetoric of rejuvenation:
It is extremely naive to think that you can gain peace, respect and development by fawning on the United States, kneeling before the United States and begging for mercy from the United States. Everyone should give up the illusion. The so-called "sanctions" and "reciprocal tariffs" of the United States cannot shake the determination and will of the central government and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, nor can they scare the 1.4 billion Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots. They will only make us more determined to unite and more firmly safeguard national security and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. Victory must belong to the great Chinese people!
如果以为向美国献媚、向美国跪低、向美国求饶，就能够换来和平、换来尊重、换来发展，那是极其幼稚的。大家要丢掉幻想。美国所谓“制裁”和“对等关税”，撼动不了中央政府和香港特别行政区政府的决心意志，吓不倒包括香港同胞在内的14亿中国人民，只会让我们更加坚定地团结在一起，更加坚定地维护国家安全和香港繁荣稳定。胜利一定属于伟大的中国人民！
After all, who in China today wants to be perceived as playing or reprising the role of the Dowager empress Cixi (慈禧); rejuvenation has its mandatory discursive tropes, and no official would be foolish enough not to perform them on a national or international stage. But, the heroics of the discursive tropes and the now well worn embrace of the Late Qing as a sort of experiential urtext can also backfire--suggesting anxiety about the triumph of revolutionary Chinese Marxist-Leninism as much as it suggests a triumphalist swagger. In this context, perhaps, it is a necessary dollop of swagger at a time of critical global change essential for internal consumption and the reassurance of the masses; externally it might be read a different way. But that is not Official Xia's problem; it ought to be for those who were responsible for approving the text of the remarks. And yet the remarks, coming from Official Xia rather than someone else, might well have been the message and the messenger for a conversation among leadership cores to which we are not privy.
——在香港特别行政区2025年“全民国家安全教育日”开幕典礼上的致辞
（2025年4月15日）
夏 宝 龙
香港特別行政區行政長官李家超先生，女士們，先生們，朋友們：
大家上午好。今天（編者按：4月15日）是我國第十個「全民國家安全教育日」。2014年4月15日，習近平主席在中央國家安全委員會第一次會議上，創造性提出總體國家安全觀。2015年《中華人民共和國國家安全法》頒布實施，把總體國家安全觀法律化、制度化，並將4月15日規定為「全民國家安全教育日」。在這個具有重要意義的日子裏，我很高興以視頻方式出席香港特別行政區的活動。
忘記歷史 就意味着背叛
過去10年，是全面貫徹落實總體國家安全觀的10年，我國國家安全工作取得歷史性成就，牢牢掌握發展和安全主動權，續寫了經濟快速發展和社會長期穩定兩大奇蹟。過去10年，也是香港在維護國家安全方面鬥爭最為激烈的10年，香港歷經由亂到治、邁向由治及興，走過了極不平凡、極不尋常的歷程。從2014年非法「佔中」到2016年「旺角暴亂」，直至2019年「修例風波」爆發，「港獨」猖獗、「黑暴」肆虐、「攬炒」橫行，國家安全受到嚴重威脅，香港被破壞得面目全非、滿目瘡痍，那種慘狀令很多人至今仍心有餘悸。危急時刻，中央果斷出手、力挽狂瀾，堅持和完善「一國兩制」制度體系，制定實施《香港國安法》，落實「愛國者治港」原則，香港局勢實現由亂到治的重大轉折。
「修例風波」本質上是反中亂港分子和美西方外部勢力發動的港版「顏色革命」，是香港歷史上永遠抹不去的傷疤，是懸在我們頭上時時敲響的一口警鐘。忘記歷史就意味着背叛。如果忘記過去，忘記了在哪裏摔跤的、怎麼摔跤的，那以後還會遇到更大的麻煩、栽更大的跟頭。大家必須牢記「修例風波」的慘痛教訓，始終保持警醒、引以為戒、警鐘長鳴。
——歷史和現實告訴我們，外部勢力搞亂香港、以港遏華的圖謀不會改變，也絕不可能得逞。外部勢力對香港插手干預從未停止過，香港回歸以來發生的種種亂象，背後都有他們的影子。現在，美國對香港的遏制打壓更是無所不用其極。最近，美國炮製所謂「2025年香港政策法報告」，並對6名我國中央政府駐港機構和香港特別行政區政府官員實施所謂制裁，再次暴露其霸道霸凌的醜惡嘴臉和黔驢技窮的歇斯底里。更為荒謬的是，美國竟對從不設關稅的香港累計加徵高達145%的關稅。大家都知道，香港作為自由港，對包括美國商品在內的所有商品實行「零關稅」。
過去10年，美國對香港貿易順差達2715億美元，香港是美國最大的貿易順差地，但美國依然對香港如此加徵關稅，簡直是蠻橫霸道、無恥之極！這讓世人更加看清，美國見不得香港好，是破壞香港人權自由、法治秩序和繁榮穩定的最大黑手，它不是要我們的「稅」，而是要我們的「命」。
中國人民從苦難中一路走來，誰妄圖讓我們重回積貧積弱，誰就是我們的敵人。外部勢力妄圖搞亂香港，讓香港回到過去的動盪不安，那是癡心妄想！外部勢力妄圖阻礙我們過上美好生活，讓我們回到過去的一窮二白，那是癡心妄想！外部勢力妄圖遲滯甚至中斷中華民族偉大復興，讓我們回到過去任人宰割的悲慘境地，那是癡心妄想！美國一而再、再而三對香港進行遏制打壓，換來的只能是其在香港的代理人的加速滅亡，最終必將反噬其自身。讓美國那些「鄉巴佬們」在中華民族5000年文明面前去哀鳴吧！
倘以為向美獻媚可換和平尊重 是極其幼稚
——歷史和現實告訴我們，中國人民從來不吃霸道霸凌那一套，包括香港同胞在內的全體中國人民是嚇不倒、壓不垮的。中國人不惹事也不怕事，施壓、威脅和訛詐不是同中國打交道的正確方式。「朋友來了有好酒，敵人來了有獵槍」，我們從來沒有怕過誰。75年前，帝國主義侵略者把戰火燒到了新中國的家門口，中國人民深知，對待侵略者，就得用他們聽得懂的語言同他們對話，這就是以戰止戰、以武止戈，用勝利贏得和平、贏得尊重，「打得一拳開，免得百拳來」。現在我國作為世界第二大經濟體、第一大工業國，正昂首闊步踏上強國建設、民族復興的新征程，無論是關稅戰、貿易戰還是其他什麼戰，我們更加沒什麼好怕的，天塌不下來。
如果以為向美國獻媚、向美國跪低、向美國求饒，就能夠換來和平、換來尊重、換來發展，那是極其幼稚的。大家要丟掉幻想。美國所謂「制裁」和「對等關稅」，撼動不了中央政府和香港特別行政區政府的決心意志，嚇不倒包括香港同胞在內的14億中國人民，只會讓我們更加堅定地團結在一起，更加堅定地維護國家安全和香港繁榮穩定。勝利一定屬於偉大的中國人民！
——歷史和現實告訴我們，香港同胞素有愛國愛港優良傳統，那些背叛祖國、背叛香港的人永遠不會有好下場。香港同胞的愛國愛港傳統源遠流長，特別是近代以來，香港同胞與祖國人民心連心、手牽手，拳拳赤子心、殷殷愛國情始終不渝。在新中國成立之初，莊世平先生不懼港英當局施壓，毅然升起全香港第一面五星紅旗；抗美援朝時期，霍英東先生組織船隊突破美西方的封鎖，向祖國運送大量急需緊缺的戰略物資；改革開放後，港澳同胞率先響應，踴躍北上投資興業，創造了第一家合資企業、第一條合資高速公路、第一家五星級合資飯店等許多「全國第一」。
關鍵時刻出賣國家利益者 絕無好下場
今天，廣大香港同胞進一步把愛國愛港精神傳承光大，特別是面對美國等外部勢力的遏制打壓、威迫利誘，不屈不撓、堅決鬥爭。「滄海橫流，方顯英雄本色」。在大是大非面前，堅定地與國家站在一起，堅定地站在歷史正確的一邊，這是中國人應有的風骨和氣節。那些在關鍵時刻出賣國家利益、替敵人搖旗吶喊的，香港同胞不答應，全國人民也不答應，絕不會有什麼好下場，必將背負歷史的罵名。在大義大節面前，要特別清醒。
當前，「一國兩制」實踐進入了新階段。香港今天的良好局面來之殊為不易，是付出了巨大代價的，大家要倍加珍惜，把這個良好局面鞏固住、發展好。現在，鬥爭並沒有結束。香港社會面看似平靜，實則暗流湧動，安全形勢仍然十分嚴峻複雜。反中亂港分子並沒有被消滅，有些逃到國外興風作浪，有些撕下額頭上的標籤，偽裝成普通市民，隱匿在社會人群中伺機禍亂香港。不少人還有糊塗的想法，同情反中亂港分子者有之，為反中亂港分子開脫者有之，媚美、恐美、崇美、幻美者有之。有的人認為只要經濟發展了，就沒有安全問題了，這是典型的掩耳盜鈴、自欺欺人。事實上，富而不安、富而不強、富而不長的例子比比皆是。沒有安全哪來的香港由亂到治？沒有安全哪來的香港由治及興？沒有安全哪來的香港美好明天？大家要正視香港發展和安全面臨的問題，提高警惕、團結一致，每個人、每個社團、每個企業、每個組織，都要與香港同胞一道、與全國人民一起，保衛香港、保衛國家，打造高水平安全護航高質量發展，推進「一國兩制」實踐行穩致遠。
駐港國安公署應當發揮好監督指導協調作用
我們相信，香港特別行政區維護國家安全機構定能堅決扛起維護國家安全的神聖使命，進一步築牢維護國家安全的堅固屏障。行政長官和特別行政區政府是香港的當家人，也是治理香港的第一責任人，應當履行好維護國家安全的憲制責任，切實解決發展改革中的矛盾和問題，妥善應對各種複雜局面，及時化解風險隱患，守住不能亂的底線。
特別行政區國安委作為負責維護國家安全事務的專責機構，應當進一步發揮牽頭抓總、議事決策、統籌協調的職責，加強對國家安全形勢的分析研判，敢於鬥爭、主動作為，形成協同高效的維護國家安全工作格局。特別行政區立法機關、司法機關應當完善特別行政區維護國家安全的制度機制，嚴格公正司法，捍衛公平正義，切實發揮維護國家安全職能作用。駐港國家安全公署是中央政府在香港特別行政區設立的維護國家安全的專門機構，應當發揮好監督、指導、協調、支持特別行政區維護國家安全的作用，依法履職，堅定支持香港特別行政區公正執法司法，堅決防範化解各類危害國家安全的風險，以新安全格局保障新發展格局。在這裏，特別值得一提的是，在香港維護國家安全工作中，許多公職人員受到美國無理制裁，毫不畏懼、義無反顧、堅定履職，在國家利益、民族大義面前，捨小我為大我，用實際行動愛國護港，我為他們感到驕傲和自豪。
工商界定能用更有力實際行動作貢獻
我們相信，香港社會各界定能積極履行維護國家安全的義務，共同守護香港美好家園。維護國家主權、安全、發展利益是「一國兩制」方針的最高原則。維護國家安全，人人有責。每位香港居民都是國家安全的受益者和守護者，沒有「局外人」。香港能夠有今日之地位，是克服重重困難，一代代香港人打拼出來的。大家要發揚愛國愛港優良傳統，認清反中亂港分子的反動本性，同破壞香港、詆譭香港、搞亂香港的言行進行堅決鬥爭，各盡其責、各盡其能，共同把香港這個家園建設好。廣大青年不僅是香港的未來，也是建設國家的新鮮血液。希望你們厚植家國情懷，自覺把個人的成長成才與香港由治及興、與國家前途命運結合起來，用愛國愛港的實際行動維護國家安全，展示青春自我。
我們相信，工商界和企業家定能以港為家、倚港興業，用更有力的實際行動建設香港、貢獻國家。在香港波瀾壯闊的發展史上，湧現出一大批世界知名的企業和企業家，用實幹興港、實業報國，書寫了愛國愛港的生動畫卷，也成就了讓人津津樂道的商業傳奇。在當前美國對我們極限打壓的形勢下，更需要企業家以「烈火金剛」的堅強品質建設香港、扎根香港。希望香港工商界和企業家繼續發揮推動經濟發展主力軍作用，賡續愛國愛港優良傳統，正確認識自身事業與香港發展、與國家發展的關係，永遠不捨大義、不忘國家利益。大家要看好香港、支持香港、投資香港，把好的資源吸引到香港、留在香港，一起為香港繁榮穩定注入更多活水，在強國建設、民族復興偉業中更好發揮作用。
女士們、先生們、朋友們！
歷史大勢不可阻擋，時代大潮浩蕩向前。我們堅信，無論國際風雲如何變幻，有偉大祖國作堅強後盾，有全體港人努力打拼，有高水平安全的護航，香港由治及興必將乘風破浪、砥礪前行，「一國兩制」事業一定會愈走愈穩、愈走愈好！
謝謝大家。
Ensuring High-quality Development with High-level Security
Continuously Composing a New Chapter in the Practice of "One Country, Two Systems"
Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 National Security Education Day in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(April 15, 2025)
Xia Baolong
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr. John Lee,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
Good morning! Today marks the 10th National Security Education Day in China. On April 15, 2014, President Xi Jinping creatively proposed a holistic approach to national security at the first meeting of the National Security Commission. In 2015, the National Security Law of the People's Republic of China was promulgated and implemented, legalizing and institutionalizing the holistic approach to national security, and April 15th was designated as the "National Security Education Day". On this day of great significance, I am delighted to attend the event in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) via video.
Over the past decade, as we comprehensively implemented the holistic approach to national security, China has achieved historic successes in national security work, firmly grasping the initiative in development and security, and continuing the two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. This decade has also been the most intense period for Hong Kong in safeguarding national security. Hong Kong has gone through an extraordinary journey from chaos to governance and then from governance to greater prosperity. During the illegal "Occupy Central" movement in 2014, the "Mong Kok Riot" in 2016, and the violent turbulence over the amendment bill in 2019, calls for "Hong Kong independence" grew rampant, "black-clad violence" escalated, and widespread acts of destruction posed a serious threat to national security. Hong Kong was severely damaged, left unrecognizable and riddled with scars. The devastation left many people with lingering fear. At this critical moment, the Central Government took decisive action to turn the tide, uphold and improve the systems for implementing the policy of "One country, Two systems", enacting the Hong Kong National Security Law and implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong". This marked a significant turning point in Hong Kong's situation from chaos to governance. The 2019 turbulence was essentially a Hong Kong version of the "color revolution" launched by anti-China agitators and external forces in the United States and other Western forces. The turbulence left a permanent scar in Hong Kong's history, a warning bell held aloft, constantly ringing above our heads. Forgetting history means betrayal. If we forget where and how we fell in the past, we will encounter greater troubles and stumble in the future. We must remember the painful lessons of the 2019 turbulence, remain vigilant, take the lessons as warning, and keep the alarm bell ringing.
History and reality tell us that external forces' attempts to destabilize Hong Kong and use it to contain China will not change and can never succeed. External forces have never stopped intervening in Hong Kong, and their shadow can be seen behind the chaos that has occurred in Hong Kong since its return to the motherland. Now, the U.S. is using every possible means to suppress Hong Kong. Recently, the U.S. fabricated the so-called "Hong Kong Policy Act Report 2025" and imposed sanctions on six officials from China's Central Government institutions in Hong Kong and the government of the Hong Kong SAR, once again exposing U.S.’s bullying and hegemonic true colors and its ugly face of hysteria born of desperation. More absurdly, the U.S. has imposed so-called "reciprocal tariffs" of up to 145 percent on Hong Kong, which has never had tariffs. As we all know, Hong Kong, as a free port, imposes "zero tariffs" on all goods, including U.S. goods. Over the past decade, the U.S. trade surplus with Hong Kong has reached 271.5 billion U.S. dollars. Despite Hong Kong being the largest source of the U.S. trade surplus, the United States still imposed high tariffs on it. This is extremely arrogant and shameless! And this makes it clearer to the world that the U.S. cannot tolerate Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and it is the biggest "sinister manipulator" undermining human rights, freedom, the rule of law, prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. The U.S. isn't after our tariffs -- it is after our very survival. The Chinese people have come through hardships, and anyone who tries to bring us back to poverty and weakness is our enemy. Any attempt by external forces to destabilize Hong Kong and return it to past turmoil is nothing but a pipe dream. And any attempt by external forces to keep us from living a better life and return us to the days of destitution is nothing but a fantasy. It is also a pipe dream for external forces to try to delay or even interrupt the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and bring us back to the tragic situation of being trampled upon. Washington's repeated attempts to suppress Hong Kong will only accelerate the demise of its proxies in Hong Kong which will ultimately backfire on itself. Let those American peasants wail before the 5,000-year-old civilization of the Chinese nation!
History and reality tell us that the Chinese people will never accept bullying, and all Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots, cannot be intimidated or overwhelmed. Chinese people do not provoke others, but we will not flinch when provoked. Pressure, threats, and extortion are not the right way to deal with China. As a popular Chinese saying goes, fine wine for friends, shotguns for foes. We have never been afraid of anyone. Seventy-five years ago, when imperialist aggressors brought war to the doorstep of the People’s Republic of China, the Chinese people knew that they had to use a language that the aggressors could understand to communicate with them. This meant fighting war with war, stopping violence with force, and winning peace and respect through victory. The Chinese have a proverb -- Strike a punch to avoid a hundred punches. Now, as the world's second-largest economy and largest industrial country, we are embarking on a new journey in building a great country and rejuvenating the nation. Whether it is a tariff war, trade war, or any other kind of war, we have nothing to fear. The sky will not fall. It is extremely naive to think that by flattering, bowing down to, or pleading with the U.S., we can achieve peace, respect, and development. We must abandon illusions. The so-called "sanctions" and "reciprocal tariffs" of the U.S. cannot shake the determination and will of the Central Government and the Hong Kong SAR government. The 1.4 billion Chinese people, with Hong Kong compatriots included, will not be intimidated. The so-called "sanctions" and "reciprocal tariffs" will only make us more united and determined to maintain national security and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Victory will belong to the great Chinese people!
History and reality tell us that Hong Kong compatriots have a long-standing tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, and those who betray the motherland and Hong Kong will never have a good ending. The Hong Kong compatriots' tradition of loving their country and Hong Kong has a long history. In particular, since modern times, Hong Kong compatriots have been united in hearts and hands with the people of the mainland, with a deep and unwavering patriotic sentiment. In the early days of the People’s Republic, Mr. Chuang Shih-ping bravely raised the first Chinese national flag in Hong Kong despite pressure from the British Hong Kong authorities. During the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, Mr. Fok Ying-tung organized a fleet to break through the blockade of the West and transported a large number of urgently needed strategic materials to the motherland. After the reform and opening up, Hong Kong and Macao compatriots were the first to respond, enthusiastically going to the mainland to invest and start businesses, creating many "firsts" in the country, such as the first joint venture, the first joint venture expressway, and the first five-star joint venture hotel. Today, the majority of Hong Kong compatriots have further inherited and carried forward the spirit of loving their country and Hong Kong, especially in the face of containment, suppression, coercion, and inducement by external forces such as the U.S. They have demonstrated a firm and unrelenting commitment to the struggle. As a popular Chinese saying goes, true heroes emerge in turbulent times. In the face of major issues of right and wrong, standing firmly with the motherland and on the right side of history is the integrity and moral backbone that the Chinese people possess. Those who betray national interests and cheer for the enemy at critical moments will never be tolerated by Hong Kong compatriots or the people of the whole country, and they will surely meet a grim fate and bear the curse of history. We must be particularly clear-headed in the face of issues related to grand righteousness and integrity.
Currently, the practice of "One country, Two systems" has entered a new stage. The good situation in Hong Kong today has come at a great cost and should be treasured. We must consolidate and develop this good situation. However, the struggle is not yet over. Although the social situation in Hong Kong appears calm on the surface, there are still undercurrents, and the security situation remains very grave and complex. Those who are opposed to China and attempt to destabilize Hong Kong have not yet been eliminated. Some have fled abroad to make trouble, while others have whitewashed themselves and disguised as ordinary people, hiding and waiting for opportunities to stir up trouble in Hong Kong. Many people still have confused ideas, some sympathize with those who are opposed to China and attempt to destabilize Hong Kong , some justify them, and some admire, fear, worship, or fantasize about the U.S. Some people believe that as long as the economy develops, there will be no security issues. However, this is a typical case of burying one's head in the sand and deceiving oneself. In fact, countless examples demonstrate that wealth does not always bring security, prosperity or sustainability. Without security, how could Hong Kong have gone through the journey from chaos to governance? Without security, how could Hong Kong have gone through the journey from governance to greater prosperity? Without security, how could Hong Kong have a bright future? We must face the problems related to the development and security in Hong Kong, be vigilant and stay united. Every individual, group, enterprise and organization needs to work together with Hong Kong compatriots and all Chinese people to defend Hong Kong and the country, ensure high-quality development with high-level security, and promote the steady and sustained practice of "One country, Two systems".
We believe that the national security institutions of the Hong Kong SAR will resolutely shoulder the sacred mission of maintaining national security and further strengthen the solid barrier for national security. As the administrators of Hong Kong, the Chief Executive and the SAR government, who bear the primary responsibility for administrating Hong Kong, should fulfill their constitutional responsibility to maintain national security, effectively address contradictions and problems in development and reform, properly respond to various complex situations, resolve risks and hidden dangers in a timely manner, and hold the bottom line of stability. As a specialized agency responsible for maintaining national security, the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the SAR should further fulfill its responsibilities of leading, making decisions, coordinating, strengthening the analysis and judgment of the national security situation, daring to struggle, taking initiative, and forming a collaborative and efficient work pattern to maintain national security. The legislature and judiciary of the SAR should improve the system and mechanism for maintaining national security in the SAR, adjudicate strictly and impartially, defend fairness and justice, and effectively play their parts in maintaining national security. The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR is a specialized agency established by the Central Government in the Hong Kong SAR to maintain national security. It should play a positive role in overseeing, guiding, coordinating with, and providing support to the SAR to maintain national security, perform its duties according to law, firmly support the Hong Kong SAR in enforcing laws and administering justice impartially, and resolutely prevent and resolve various risks that endanger national security, ensuring a new development paradigm with a new security paradigm. It is worth mentioning that many public officials in Hong Kong have been unreasonably sanctioned by the United States for their work in maintaining national security, but they are not afraid, are working steadfastly to fulfill their duties, and are willing to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of the country. They take concrete actions to love and protect the country and Hong Kong, and I am proud of them.
We believe that all sectors of Hong Kong society can actively fulfill their obligation to maintain national security and jointly protect Hong Kong, this beautiful home. Safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the paramount principle in the policy of "One country, Two systems". Everyone has a responsibility to maintain national security. Every resident of Hong Kong is a beneficiary and guardian of national security, and there are no "outsiders". Hong Kong's current status has been achieved through overcoming many difficulties and the hard work of generations of Hong Kong people. Everyone should carry forward the fine tradition of loving the country and Hong Kong, recognize the reactionary nature of individuals who are opposed to China and attempt to destabilize Hong Kong, resolutely fight against words and actions that undermine, slander, and disrupt Hong Kong, and fulfill their respective responsibilities and abilities to jointly build Hong Kong. Young people are not only the future of Hong Kong but also fresh blood for building the country. We hope that you will cultivate a strong sense of patriotism, consciously combine personal growth and success with the prosperity of Hong Kong and the future of the country, use concrete actions of patriotism and the love for Hong Kong to maintain national security, and showcase your youth.
We believe that the business community and entrepreneurs can make Hong Kong their home, build their businesses, and contribute to both Hong Kong and the country with more practical actions. In the magnificent development history of Hong Kong, many world-renowned enterprises and entrepreneurs have emerged, taking concrete actions to build Hong Kong and serve the country, writing a vivid picture of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, and becoming business legends. In the current situation where the United States is exerting extreme pressure on us, there is a greater need for entrepreneurs to build and take root in Hong Kong with a strong resolve. It is hoped that Hong Kong's business community and entrepreneurs will continue to play a leading role in driving economic development, carry forward the fine tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, correctly understand the relationship between their own enterprises and the development of both Hong Kong and the nation, and always uphold righteousness and never forget national interests. We should be optimistic about Hong Kong, support Hong Kong, invest in Hong Kong, attract good resources to Hong Kong and retain them here. Together, we will inject more vitality into the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and play a better role in the great cause of building a great country and national rejuvenation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
The historical trend is unstoppable, and the tide of the times is surging forward. We firmly believe that no matter how the international landscape may change, with the strong backing of the great motherland, the relentless efforts of all Hong Kong people, and the safeguard of high-level security, Hong Kong is sure to ride the waves and forge ahead on the path from stability to prosperity. The cause of "One country, Two systems" will only grow more stable and achieve greater success.
Thank you.
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