Feature: 'Scientific Concept Translated Into Vivid Reality'

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, July 01, 2002

Feature: 'Scientific Concept Translated Into Vivid Reality'

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At the majestic sound of the trumpet playing the tune of the Chinese Anthem, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government was sworn into its second term and received best wishes from President Jiang Zemin Monday.

Amidst the soft playing of the ebullient Welcome March by the Police's band, the newly appointed Chief Executive, Tung Chee Hwa,and 24 principal officials and Executive Councilors proceeded to the grandiosely decorated Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, where 2,000 local and overseas guests gathered to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

The symbolic-yet-meaningful ceremony, which was witnessed by the whole local community five years ago, when China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997, now once again infused the same joy and hope into the spectators.

The ceremony summed up the spirit of Hong Kong being run steadfastly under the principles of "one country, two systems" and"Hong Kong people running Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy which are set to be passed onto the second term government.

Five years after the handover, the people of Hong Kong are continuing to be the master of their own and have their own say onissues affecting themselves, such as electing their own chief executive, who, in turn, appointed his own principal officials.

After the majestic and solemn playing of the Chinese national anthem, Tung and the principal officials and Executive Councilors took oath, proclaiming their respect for the Basic Law, in front of the five-star red national flag and the regional flag featuringa Bauhinia flower.

The swearing-in ceremony is unusual in China's mainland. So, itis sort of symbolic of the preservation of the lifestyle and customs that have been guaranteed by the Basic Law.

After being sworn in, Tung gave thanks to President Jiang for all the care and trust he has got from the central government and the motherland. He reiterated that the HKSAR government has successfully implemented the 'one country, two systems' principle and governed the Hong Kong according to the rule of law.

The celebrations culminated in Jiang telling Hong Kong residents that "the past five years since Hong Kong's return to the motherland saw 'one country, two systems' being translated from a scientific concept into a vivid reality ...."

The President wished all the Hong Kong people every success as the HKSAR is experiencing historical changes. "Only those who could comply with the historical changes and had a genuine understanding of their new responsibilities could seriously get down to the shaping of Hong Kong's future role as masters of theirown house."

"Our Hong Kong compatriots are not only masters of the HKSAR, but also of the country," Jiang said, as he encouraged Hong Kong people to keep enhancing their sense of the motherland."

Following Jiang's speech, Hong Kong residents partook, either on site or in front of their TV sets, in a feast of melodious and light-hearted cultural shows teeming with music, songs and dances,celebrating Hong Kong's traditionally diverse cultural life.

Li Yundi, an internationally acclaimed talented young pianist from the Chinese mainland, who is well loved by the people of HongKong, kicked off the programs by playing Chopin.

The celebrations ended with all the artists and audience on thefloor joining in a chorus "A Better Day Tomorrow," wishing a brighter future of Hong Kong.

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