Xia Baolong says three branches must work together for Hong Kong's benefit

Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Xia Baolong highlighted the importance of cooperation between the executive, legislative and judicial branches, and said the three branches must work together for the interest of citizens and Hong Kong.

Xia made the comment at The Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies' seminar in Beijing on the topic of the application of Special Adminstrative Regions' executive-led system.

Held in Beijing, the seminar's theme is "upholding and improving the executive-led system to promote good governance in the Special Administrative Regions".

Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office Xia Baolong delivered a speech in the seminar.

In his speech, Xia highlighted that the executive-led political system is the key prinicple in the design of the SARs' political structure under the Basic Law.

Originating from the country's constitution, the principle serves as the institutional guarantee for the implementation of "One Country, Two Systems".

Holding the leading position in the system, the Chief Executive and the government represents the overall interests of Hong Kong and Macau, and constitutes the best form of a political organisation for a high degree of autonomy.

Xia pointed out that Hong Kong faced enormous challenges in implementing the governing mechanisms, with anti-China and external forces trying to advocate for the "separation of powers", hoping to weaken the authority of the Chief Executive and the SAR government, thereby to undermine the authority of the central government.

Xia said such behaviour was absolutely not permitted, and authorities must also stay vigilant.

He emphasised that collaboration was the key to the executive-led system -- the executive, legislative and judicial branches must work together for the well-being of the citizens and the city's overall interest.

As such, the lawmakers must support the government all the time, while ensuring they're not overstepping the bounds while supervising the government.

Xia outlined five points of expectations for the legislative council members, including cultivating a deep sense of national sentiment and patriotism, and serving the public with dedication and striving to find solutions to the citizens' pressing concerns and difficulties.

Chen Shaobo, the newly-appointed vice presdient of The Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies said, the SAR government, as the head of the city, must excel in governance, and properly manage the relationship between the SAR and the central government.

The seminar's Hong Kong sub-venue was set up at the government headquarters.

Chief Executive John Lee, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government Zhou Ji, were among those who attended.

This while Macau's Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Macau Zheng Xincong atteneded the seminar at the enclave's subvenue.