President Xi Jinping addresses a grand meeting held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center on July 1, 2022. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at a meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Here are some of the highlights:

On progress, democracy since return to China

Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong has enjoyed robust economic growth and maintained its status as a global financial, shipping and trade center.

Hong Kong has fostered a rapidly-growing innovation and technology sector and built a world-class business environment.

Moreover, Hong Kong's pre-existing laws have been preserved and developed, and its society has remained stable as a whole.

Hong Kong has enjoyed true democracy since its return to the motherland. The democratic system of the HKSAR, which conforms to the "one country, two systems" policy and Hong Kong's constitutional status, is conducive to safeguarding the democratic rights of Hong Kong residents and maintaining prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

On 'one country, two systems'

The practice of "one country, two systems" has achieved success in Hong Kong recognized by all.

"One country, two systems" has been tested and proved time and again, and there is no reason to change such a good system and it must be adhered to over the long run.

Upholding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the paramount principle in the policy. On the basis of this prerequisite, Hong Kong and Macao maintain their capitalist system over the long run and enjoy a high degree of autonomy.

On 'patriots administering Hong Kong'

To keep the power to administer the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region firmly in the hands of patriots is essential for safeguarding the long-term stability and security of Hong Kong. "At no time should this principle be allowed to be compromised."

On central authorities' overall jurisdiction

It is imperative to ensure both overall jurisdiction by the central authorities and a high degree of autonomy in the SAR.

The central authorities exercise overall jurisdiction over the SAR, which constitutes the source of a high degree of autonomy in the SAR; at the same time, the central authorities fully respect and firmly safeguard the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the SAR as enshrined in law.