– How do you interpret the ongoing changes in the structure that oversees regional autonomies?
Ip Kuai Peng – In March 2023, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council published a plan to reform Party and State institutions. In this context, a Central Labor Office for Hong Kong and Macau was created for Hong Kong and Macau, which supervises the current Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council. The new Office will function as an organ of the PCC Central Committee.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, efforts have been made to reform Party and State institutions, which has led to several systemic and holistic transformations. However, the institutional structure and role allocation of Party and State institutions are not yet fully adapted to the new tasks; Therefore, new reforms and adjustments are necessary.
– How can we explain this push by Beijing to monitor the Autonomous Regions more closely?
I.K.P. – The aim of reforming Party and State institutions is to build a well-developed functional system with clear procedures and greater efficiency. Efforts are needed to deepen reforms in key areas and ensure that the Party’s leadership in socialist modernization becomes more refined in institutional configuration, optimized in division of functions, perfected in institutions and mechanisms, and more efficient in operation and management.
The Central Government has been committed to deepening reforms in a comprehensive manner, adjusting policies and promoting the optimization of the system. The new Cabinet elevated the affairs of the two Special Administrative Regions to the ‘central level’, which reflects the great attention and importance that the Central Government attaches to Hong Kong and Macau. This measure aims to reinforce centralized and unified leadership, ensuring the Central Government has a global view of the situation and the coordination of all parties involved in Hong Kong and Macau. This Office contributes to greater effectiveness of national governance, promoting long-term prosperity, stability, and global development.
The new Cabinet has elevated the affairs of the two Special Administrative Regions to the ‘central level’, which reflects the great attention and importance that the Central Government attaches to Hong Kong and Macau
– Are these news related to changes in the Central Government itself, namely in the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs?
I.K.P. – The creation of the Central Labor Office for Hong Kong and Macau reflects the great attention and importance that the Central Government attaches to the affairs of Hong Kong and Macau. It responds to the new situation, tasks and demands, as well as the need to improve the system and modernize China’s governance. The objective is to increase governance effectiveness and responsiveness in the Special Administrative Regions, ensuring long-term stability and prosperity.
The new Central Labor Office for Hong Kong and Macau will be responsible for investigations and research, the development of global plans, and the coordination and supervision of implementation in various aspects: implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy; overall authority of the Central Government, in accordance with the law; safeguarding national security, ensuring people’s well-being, and supporting the integration of Hong Kong and Macau into the country’s overall development.
– Will there be consequences for regional autonomy?
I.K.P. – Since the publication of the reform plan, various sectors in Macau have expressed full support and firm support for the establishment of the Central Labor Office for Hong Kong and Macau. This institutional reform reflects the strong will and determination of the Central Government in implementing the principle of ‘One Country, Two Systems’ in a comprehensive, precise and unwavering manner.
When it comes to regional development, the Government of Macau, and all sectors of society, have firmly ensured national sovereignty and security. At the same time promoting moderate and diversified economic development. Furthermore, the construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin is progressing, reinforcing the social and political basis of the principle of ‘loving the country and loving Macau’ – a new phase of the successful practice of ‘One Country, Two Systems ‘, with Macau characteristics, in accordance with the grand plan outlined at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The reform plan promotes the development of Macau on a larger scale and with greater quality; integrating Macau more deeply into national development.
We must pay close attention to the announcements published by the Central Labor Office for Hong Kong and Macau to understand the specific content of the new policies
– Hong Kong and Macau continue to have similar formal treatment. Would different structures in Beijing make sense for different realities? In the current situation, will the focus of changes be on Hong Kong? Or does Macau deserve more particular attention today?
I.K.P. – Since the return of Hong Kong and Macau to China, their economies and societies have experienced rapid development. The Central Government has always followed the principles of ‘One Country, Two Systems’; ‘Hong Kong people administer Hong Kong’; and ‘the people of Macau administer Macau’, granting them a high degree of autonomy. Support for the development of Hong Kong and Macau has been constant: in their economies, in improving the people’s livelihoods, and in resolving contradictions and challenges deeply rooted in their economic and social development.
Hong Kong and Macau have different historical backgrounds, distinct advantages and needs. The Central Government has always recognized the importance of the strengths and uniqueness of each of the autonomous regions. Hong Kong began a new phase of transition, from chaos to stability and then prosperity. Its international status as a financial, maritime and commercial center was consolidated and elevated. Macau’s path of moderate and diversified economic development is becoming increasingly broad and the brand as a World Tourism and Leisure Center shines brighter and brighter.
The recently established Central Labor Office for Hong Kong and Macau optimizes management mechanisms at the highest level. Evaluate and adjust the specific needs of Hong Kong and Macau based on the current situation; will pay due attention to each region, meeting their development needs, promoting prosperity and progress.
– Can policy changes be foreseen under this new organic umbrella?
I.K.P. – The introduction of new policies is expected, with significant impact. And they can cover various sectors, including economic development, social affairs, education, culture, etc., responding to the demands of the new era and the challenges we face today.
The formulation of new policies will be based on defending the principle of “One Country, Two Systems”, while taking into account the uniqueness and needs of Hong Kong and Macau. These policies aim to promote economic development, foster social harmony, improve people’s well-being, and support the role of both Regions in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The policy formulation process will involve exhaustive research and debates, for greater rationality and effectiveness. We must pay close attention to the announcements published by the Central Labor Office for Hong Kong and Macau to understand the specific content of the new policies.
The head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the Chinese Executive, Xia Baolong, was appointed director of the Central Works Office for Hong Kong and Macau, responsible for overseeing the implementation of Communist Party policies in the two SARs.
