The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Liaison Office) held two open days over the weekend, attracting about 1,500 citizens to take a tour inside its building.
It can be seen from the Exhibition of the Liaison Office's History held on the two open days, the Liaison Office, together with its predecessor - the Hong Kong Branch of the Xinhua News Agency, has existed in Hong Kong already for 71 years, which is by no means a short period of time. During these 71 years, the Liaison Office has stuck with Hong Kong people through thick and thin and shared their destiny. It connected Hong Kong people to the Motherland before Hong Kong's return to the Motherland, and promotes "one country two systems" since Hong Kong's return to the Motherland. Its importance being irreplaceable and its contribution unparalleled, the Liaison Office is the most staunch and strongest protector of Hong Kong people's interests and their companion.
Admittedly, during a quite long period of time, due to hindrances created by the British Hong Kong colonial authority and troubles made by the opposition after Hong Kong's return to the Motherland, the image of the Liaison Office has been distorted among the public as if it were some "foreign force" which would damage Hong Kong people's interests. Radical opposition even readily and frequently shouts about "intervention by Sai Wan", and even blames an entry into the Liaison Office's building as "betrayal". Under "one country two systems", such a situation, if remaining unchanged, not only goes against the principle of "one country two systems", but also will absolutely do no good for the SAR's development.
What is delightful is that, with a series of public activities conducted since Director of the Liaison Office Wang Zhimin took office - Wang personally briefed and explained to the principal officials of the SAR Government about the spirits of the [General Secretary Xi Jinping's] Report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and of the annual sessions of the National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Wang personally delivered important messages at a luncheon of the Legislative Council upon invitation, staff members of the Liaison Office wrote on the Internet and newspapers to express their feelings about working in Hong Kong, plus the two open days just held over the weekend , the distance between the Liaison Office and citizens seems to be gradually shortened. The "mystical veil" imposed on the Liaison Office in the past is being unveiled. The nature of the Liaison Office, that it is responsible to the Central Government and is to handle concrete affairs and do good things in a down-to-earth manner for Hong Kong people, becomes gradually understood and recognised by the public while misunderstanding and estrangement accumulated over a long period of time in the past become gradually melting away.
In this regard, Director Wang Zhimin's willingness and courage to go out plays a key role. Adherence to principles and liaison with various sectors are the consistent work style of all directors of the Hong Kong Branch of the Xinhua News Agency and the Liaison Office, who have made their due contributions during various periods of time. Since taking his office, Director Wang Zhimin has proactively publicised and explained national affairs and widely contacted with various social sectors, working in a flexible and variable manner.
More importantly, on important issues such as that "one country two systems" must be accurately implemented, that Hong Kong must follow the national constitutional system to carry through the Central Government's overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong, to firmly curb "independence for Hong Kong" and to better integrate into the country's development, Wang Zhimin in his public speeches takes a clear-cut stand to uprightly and honestly talk about the pros and cons, stating his views frankly. He enthusiastically praises whatever is constitutional and lawful, including "jokingly" describing the Liaison Office's relationship with the SAR Government as "going along with each other". As for existing problems and shortcomings, he straightforwardly points out what is harmful and wrong. He says what a liaison institution of the Central Government in Hong Kong should say and fulfils the duty as leader of the Liaison Office. For the benefit of the nation and for the benefit of Hong Kong, he really speaks without reserve and delivers his messages with sincerity and goodwill to dissolve suspicion in a relax and friendly way. The effect is easily seen.
What the Liaison Office and Director Wang Zhimin have achieved recently in their works is inseparable from the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the coming of major opportunities such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development, and also inseparable from Hong Kong society's aspiration for prosperity and stability after going through various disturbances. It is believed that the Liaison Office will keep its manner of "constantly keeping the door open, having officials to work and handle affairs", so as to produce more results in its interaction with Hong Kong society.
30 April 2018
