Speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa,
at the annual ball of the
Hong Kong Journalists Association at Regent Hotel

Tuesday, March 24, 1998

Friends from the press, ladies and gentlemen,

Many people have shown much concern about me and hope that I can have a little more time to relax. I think this evening's Gala Dinner of the Hong Kong Journalists Association may give me a good chance if our host can discourage the press from asking me questions this evening and I can call it a day!

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my experience at the opening and closing ceremonies of the First Session of the 9th National People's Congress as well as my recent visits abroad. I still feel delighted whenever I recall these memories.

With the 21st Century about to draw open, we have witnessed a number of important events in China and Hong Kong: the successful return of Hong Kong to China in 1997; a good start in the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle; the 15th Party Congress held in Beijing in September 1997; and the 9th National People's Congress this year.

I am much delighted because our Chinese leaders have expressed their determination in building China into a strong, affluent and unified country in the next century. They have particularly pledged that they will turn China into a moderately developed country in the world in the next 50 years. They are writing a new and glorious chapter on our 5 000-year -old Chinese civilization and are making greater contribution to the human race as a whole. At the recent National People's Congress, a new team of leaders, who are going to run the country beyond this century, was formed and specific policies were formulated for the realization of the ambitious goals of our country. For sure, you would share with me the view that we have new leaders of broad vision, full confidence and unlimited vigor, who are able to meet the greatest challenges we have ever had, make ambitious and far-reaching plans for the development of our country and achieve all goals that ought to be achieved.

During the second half of last year, I visited some of the Southeast Asian countries, Japan, the United States, Canada and several European countries. During our talks, the leaders of these countries expressed their congratulations on the successful return of Hong Kong to China. They felt assured that Hong Kong would have a very bright future. They also strongly expressed their confidence in the future development of China and held the belief that China would play a significant role in the world in the 21st Century. All these countries have thus accorded high priority to the formulation of their national policies relating to their relationship with China. As a Chinese , I am very pleased to find that leaders of these countries have a high opinion of the prospects of both China and Hong Kong.

Leaders of overseas countries view the prospects of China from different perspectives and appreciate the heights she has reached and the charms she exhibits. We Hong Kong people, living in this part of China, should likewise have full confidence in our future. Every time I hear about the opinions of our friends abroad and perceive the momentum of development of our country, my feelings are mixed. In the past two hundred years, our country suffered a great deal and our people failed to pull themselves together. Our country was thus getting weaker and weaker and our people poorer and poorer. Human rights and citizens rights were hardly taken care of. We were taken advantaged of by other countries and were unable to secure a position that we deserved in the international arena. In the last few decades, especially in the last twenty years, our country has worked very hard and finally succeeded in presenting herself in a promising scenario. A solid foundation has also been laid for our future development.

I particularly sense the pride and the responsibility of being a Chinese Hong Kong resident when I take a look at the new development of China. It is our responsibility to ensure the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle. Amongst other things, we have to protect the freedom of press and to uphold the rule of law not only for the needs of the development of Hong Kong but also for meeting the expectations of the Central People's Government and our compatriots in China and for the rejuvenation of the Chinese people.

The thought that Hong Kong has always been a blessed place often comes to mind. We are fortunate in the way that we have reunited with our motherland at a time when our country is in her full swing of development. We must take advantage of the opportunity of running Hong Kong by ourselves and build a better future for Hong Kong. This is the responsibility of each and everyone of us. We must also contribute to the development of our country. I have confidence that we are able to accomplish our missions, and to accomplish them well.

Thank you.