Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China's (CPC) Central Committee and Member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, yesterday attended the group discussion of Hong Kong delegates to the National People's Congress (NPC) on the [Premier Li Keqiang's] Government Work Report to the NPC.　　After several Hong Kong delegates had made their speeches, Wang Huning delivered his speech on issues such as the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress, revision of the Constitution and Hong Kong and Macao affairs.　　He also made some requirements and suggestions for the future works of Hong Kong delegates to NPC.

　　During the ongoing Lianghui (the two annual sessions of the NPC and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, CPPCC), leaders of the central authority would each"go down"to attend group meetings of local delegations and listen to opinions.　　Yesterday was the first time for Wang Huning to attend the group discussion of the Hong Kong and Macao delegation.　　What is worthy of attention is, Wang Huning's speech shows that the central authority's determination to implement"one country two systems"won't change and waver, and its understanding of the situation in Hong Kong society is very comprehensive and profound.

　　In his speech, Wang Huning said there are five focal points in the [Xi Jinping's] Report to the 19th CPC National Congress that must be well studies and comprehended.　　One is to comprehensively carry out the"one country two systems"principle, to safeguard the Central Government's jurisdiction over Hong Kong, to hold fast to the"bottom line"of sovereignty and security, and to give zero tolerance to"independence for Hong Kong”; the second is to do everything strictly in accordance with the Constitution and Basic Law, and all Central and SAR executive, legislative and judicial institutions must strengthen the awareness of governing Hong Kong in accordance with the law; the third is to support the SAR Government and Chief Executive to govern in accordance with the law and to be proactive; the fourth is to support Hong Kong to integrate itself into the greater pattern of national development, focusing on the Belt and Road initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area development; the fifth is to enhance Hong Kong compatriots' national awareness and patriotism, so as to unite all Chinese sons and daughters under the banner of the Chinese nation's rejuvenation and share the great glory of the Motherland's prosperity and success.

　　Apart from elaborating these five focal points, Wang Huning also particularly pinned his hopes on Hong Kong NPC deputies to enhance their awareness of duty-fulfilment, to think in big-picture terms, to strengthen their political consciousness and sense of responsibility, to play the role as the backbone of loving the nation and Hong Kong, to drive out evil and usher in good and to take the lead to release positive energy.　　These are not low-level requirements indeed.

　　As a matter of fact, from the convention of the 19th CPC National Congress to the ongoing Lianghui in Beijing, from General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech about establishing a new constitutional order delivered in Hong Kong at the ceremony to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the SAR to Wang Huning's speech on the five focal points yesterday, all point out a very important yet serious fact for the whole of Hong Kong society including the SAR Government.　　That is, economic construction and social development in the SAR and Hong Kong people's recognition of the nation and respect of the Constitution have, to a considerably great extent, fallen behind reality, behind the overall situation and behind the due standards and requirements of"one country two systems”.　　At the ongoing Lianghui in Beijing, Premier Li Keqiang set the GDP goal of RMB 8.2 trillion and growth target of 6.5 per cent, and pledged to fight and win the three"tough battles"of preventing economic risks, alleviating poverty and protecting the environment.　　How many Hong Kong people are there who have sufficient concern and full understanding of such matters?　　As for the revision of the Constitution and institutional reform of the State Council, the two items in Lianghui's core agenda, it is afraid that no"extravagant hope"can be placed on Hong Kong society's understanding of such moves' important significance in history and reality. (To be continued)

　　07 March 2018