"One Country, Two Systems", a success in Hong Kong: Donald Tsang

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang said on Monday that the implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' has been a success in Hong Kong.

Tsang said in a letter named "Hong Kong Letter - Just because you are here", which was broadcast on Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) on Monday morning, that the ten years since 1997 was a significant period of time for Hong Kong.

"Looking back over the past decade, Hong Kong people will have different thoughts and recount different experiences." "My feelings are a mix of joy and grief, " he said.

Tsang said the past decade has been full of challenges. Since its return to the motherland 10 years ago, Hong Kong people have encountered unprecedented difficulties, including the Asian financial turmoil, avian influenza and SARS. But ultimately Hong Kong people weathered all these crises.

"I remember the stress, the sadness and, at times, the total exhaustion brought about by these challenges. But, I also remember our society overcoming these difficulties, and the maturity of Hong Kong people in dealing with them," Tsang said.

Tsang reviewed that many Hong Kongers were rather skeptical about the concept of "One Country, Two Systems." But at present Hong Kong enjoys a closer relationship with the mainland. Hong Kong people communicate and co-operate with the mainland every day for business, travel and cultural exchanges.

"Surveys have shown our sense of national identity is the strongest it has been," Tsang added. "we can truly say that the implementation of 'One Country, Two Systems' has been a success."

"We can certainly strive to do even better; but we can also say that our achievements in implementing this unprecedented undertaking have been truly remarkable," he said.

At the end of the letter, Tsang stressed that "Never settle for mediocrity, strive for excellence" is a mantra he holds for himself, and his administration. He promised to build a more open government and lift the economy to new heights in his new term in the next five years.