Expectations run high for new Work Office on two SARs' affairs

Democracy was once basically nonexistent in Hong Kong; the idea of "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" was realized only after the 1997 reunification, which was nothing short of a big step in the city's democratic development.

Unfortunately, democratic practices were exploited by the anti-China subversive forces to advance their separatist campaign, which culminated in the 2019 insurrection, a "color revolution" in nature. Confronted by such a serious challenge to national interests, Beijing had to take action to enhance supervision over the full and accurate implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

To this end, a new Hong Kong and Macao Work Office, under the Communist Party of China Central Committee, was created under the plan on reforming Party and State institutions, announced in March.

The new Work Office is specifically tasked with "investigating and studying", "planning and coordinating", and "supervising the implementation of" all work related to the implementation of "one country, two systems", enforcing the central government's comprehensive jurisdiction over the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in accordance with the law, safeguarding national security, ensuring people's livelihoods and welfare, and facilitating the two SARs' integration into national development.
Compared with the previous Central Leading Group and Central Coordination Group on Hong Kong and Macao Affairs, which were tasked with only "planning and coordinating", the new Work Office is tasked with the additional responsibilities of "investigating and studying" and "supervising the implementation of" all work related to "one country, two systems", aside from "planning and coordinating".

This suggests that the central authorities see the need to enhance communication between Beijing and the SARs, as well as Beijing's oversight of the enforcement of its overall jurisdiction over the SARs.

To better integrate and handle all work related to Hong Kong and Macao affairs, it behooves the CPC Central Committee to take centralized leadership in the matter. On Feb 13, 2020, Xia Baolong, then vice-chairman and secretary-general of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, took full charge of Hong Kong and Macao affairs with the approval of the central authorities. Under his leadership, the central authorities' governing system for Hong Kong and Macao affairs quickly developed a seamless mechanism that has facilitated the swift implementation of the central authorities' decisions and policies regarding the SARs' affairs.

In the past three years, with the central government's support, Hong Kong was able to quell the months-long unrest arising from the anti-extradition campaign, successfully enforce the "patriots administering Hong Kong" precept by organizing three important elections under the revamped electoral system, and overcome the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with aid from the mainland.
The central authorities have also helped Hong Kong tackle some teething troubles arising from the implementation of the National Security Law for Hong Kong. The past three years indeed have witnessed a sea change in Hong Kong.

The "black-clad" riots in 2019, which seriously wrecked Hong Kong's rule of law and social order, not only heavily undermined the city's well-being but also stepped on the red line of "one country, two systems". The State leaders have realized that the central authority must enhance its leadership and supervision over the work on the SARs' affairs while emphasizing that the SAR governments bear the primary responsibility of governing the SARs.

The key to enhancing the central authority's leadership and supervision lies in the selection of suitable principal cadres for the work on Hong Kong and Macao affairs. Thus cadres who are experienced in regional governance and handling crises, and who have a fighting spirit in the face of obstacles, have been prioritized for the top posts in the new Work Office.

That Xia was appointed director of the new Work Office even though he was already over 70 reflects the central authorities' recognition of his ability, as well as their trust in him. Xia had been in charge of provincial work for many years and honed his governance skill in the front line of reform and socioeconomic development before taking charge of Hong Kong and Macao affairs.
Meanwhile, Zhou Ji was appointed first deputy director of the new Work Office. Similar to Xia, Zhou has rich experience in regional governance. He previously served as the top official of Hubei province for many years. He is expected to play an important role in the new post.
The appointments of Zheng Yanxiong and Zheng Xincong, directors of the Liaison Offices of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR and Macao SAR respectively, as deputy directors of the new Work Office suggest they are expected to play helpful roles in fulfilling the office's responsibilities of "investigating and studying" by taking advantage of their connection with the local communities.

Other deputy directors include Yang Wanming, a diplomat, and Wang Linggui, a scholar, both of whom were previously the deputy directors of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

Upon examining the above appointments, one can see that there are three criteria for selecting cadres for the new Work Office: They must be results-oriented; they must be experienced and versatile in regional governance; and they complement each other because of their different work experiences.

After three months of preparation, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee held its first meeting earlier this month and is now in full operation. Expectations are high for the new governance system on Hong Kong and Macao affairs in facilitating better prosperity in the two SARs.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.