Chinese officials urge HK to bear "state concept" in mind

BEIJING, March 29 -- The interpretation and enforcement of Basic Law in Hong Kong must be based on the "China position", with the state concept in mind, a Chinese official said on Sunday.

Adopted on April 4, 1990, by the Seventh National People's Congress (NPC) of China and took effect on July 1, 1997, the Basic Law is the constitutional document of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

"The HKSAR system is aimed at realizing better state governance and protection of the fundamental interests of all Chinese people including Hong Kong compatriots," Zhang Rongshun, NPC Standing Committee legislative affairs commission vice-chairman, said.

Zhang made the remarks at a symposium held to mark the 25th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

"It's not a tool to be manipulated in order to wrest the ruling power from China and make Hong Kong an independent political entity," he added.

The intention to isolate the Basic Law from the Constitution or confuse their relationship is nothing but an excuse to turn HK into an independent or semi-independent political entity, said Rao Geping, deputy head of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies.

"Efforts should be made to educate people on 'one country, two systems' and Basic Law in Hong Kong, especially the young," Rao said.

Maria Tam Wai-chu, a Hong Kong barrister who was involved in the drafting of the Basic Law, also urged improvement to HK residents' national awareness at the symposium, saying some people do not have a strong "sense of state".