刘晓明大使在庆祝香港回归20周年招待会上的讲话：

《勠力同心，锐意进取，开创香港更加美好的明天》

Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Liu Xiaoming to Mark the 20th Anniversary of the Return of Hong Kong: Hand in Hand Towards A Promising Future

(2017年6月26日，中国驻英国大使馆)

Chinese Embassy, 26 June 2017

各位议员，

各位使节，

女士们、先生们，

Your Excellencies,

My Lords, MPs,

Ladies and Gentlemen:

欢迎大家出席今天的招待会，与我们共同庆祝香港回归20周年。

A very warm welcome to the Chinese Embassy!

It is a real pleasure to have so many friends with us to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

20年前的7月1日，中英两国政府举行香港政权交接仪式，中国政府庄严宣告对香港恢复行使主权，中华人民共和国香港特别行政区成立。微博@高斋翻硕 公众号:高斋翻译学堂

On 1 July twenty years ago, the Governments of China and Britain held a handover ceremony to mark the return of Hong Kong. From that day on, China officially resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was established.

这是中国近代史上的一件大事，实现了包括广大香港同胞在内的中国各族人民的百年夙愿，成就了彪炳中华民族史册的千秋功业，五星红旗与紫荆花交相辉映，值得每一个炎黄子孙感到骄傲和自豪。

Hong Kong's return to China was a landmark in China's modern history.

• It was a long-cherished wish coming true for generations of Chinese people, including compatriots in Hong Kong.

• It was a significant achievement that left its mark in the history of the Chinese nation.

• It was a pride for each and every Chinese to see Hong Kong's bauhinia flag side-by-side with the five-star national flag.

这是香港历史上的一件大事。香港历经百年沧桑，终于回归祖国的怀抱，标志着香港同胞从此成为这块土地的真正主人，香港的发展迈入一个崭新的历史阶段。

Hong Kong's return to China is a milestone in the history of Hong Kong.

• After a hundred years of ups and downs, Hong Kong finally rejoined the motherland.

• Hong Kong people have become the masters of the land they call home.

• And Hong Kong has since entered into a new phase of development.

这也是中英关系史上的一件大事。香港顺利回归中国，扫清了中英关系的历史障碍，推动两国关系发展进入快车道。20年来，中英两国从建立全面伙伴关系，到建立全面战略伙伴关系，再到建立面向21世纪的全球全面战略伙伴关系，中英关系迎来“黄金时代”。

Hong Kong's return to China is also a highlight in the history of China-UK relations.

• The historical obstacle to closer ties between China and Britain was finally removed, sending the bilateral relations onto a fast track.

• In the twenty years that followed, China-UK relationship grew from comprehensive partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership, and then to a global comprehensive strategic partnership for the 21st century.

• Now this relationship has entered a "Golden Era".

20年前的7月1日，我有幸参加了香港政权交接仪式。当五星红旗冉冉升起的那一刻，我心潮澎湃，思绪万千，终生难忘。微博@高斋翻硕 公众号:高斋翻译学堂

On 1 July 1997, I had the honour to attend the handover ceremony. At the emotional moment when the Chinese national flag was raised, my heart was full of pride and excitement. It was a moment simply beyond words and most unforgettable in my life.

20年后的今天，回首香港走过的不平凡历程，我们对香港回归对香港、对中国乃至对世界的意义有了更加深刻的理解：

Today, when I look back at the extraordinary journey Hong Kong has traveled, I can appreciate more deeply what Hong Kong's return truly means to Hong Kong, to China and to the world.

第一， 香港回归开启了中华民族伟大复兴的新征程。上世纪70年代，邓小平先生以非凡的胆识和气魄，提出了“一国两制”伟大构想，并首先运用于解决香港问题。20年来，“一国两制”先后在香港、澳门成功实践，展现出强大生命力，不仅丰富了中国特色社会主义理论和实践，也开辟了以和平方式实现祖国统一的崭新道路，开启了中华民族伟大复兴的新历程。我们对中华民族最终实现统一充满信心。

First, Hong Kong's return marks the beginning of a new journey towards the great renewal of the Chinese nation.

In late 1970s, Mr. Deng Xiaoping, the courageous and insightful leader, first proposed the vision of "one country, two systems". This innovative framework was first applied to the Hong Kong question.

Twenty years on, "one country, two systems" has been hugely successful in Hong Kong and Macau.

• This policy has shown strong vitality.

• It has been an enrichment to socialism with Chinese features in both theory and practice.

• It opens up a creative new way for the peaceful reunification of China.

• It heralds a new journey towards rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

• It strengthens our confidence in achieving the ultimate unification of the Chinese nation.

第二， 香港回归开创了香港繁荣发展的新时代。20年来，中国中央政府严格按照宪法和基本法办事，坚定不移贯彻落实“一国两制”、“港人治港”、高度自治。香港保持繁荣稳定良好局面，经济总量翻了一番，继续保持国际金融、航运和贸易中心地位，连续20年荣膺全球最自由经济体和最具竞争力地区之一。香港现为全球第四大金融中心、第五大集装箱吞吐港、第八大贸易实体。香港民主政制也稳步发展，在政治稳定、政府效能、规管品质、社会法治、贪腐控制、公民表达及问责等方面指标均远高于回归前。

Second, Hong Kong's return marks a new phase of prosperity and development in Hong Kong.

Over the past 20 years, the Central Government of China has consistently and strictly adhered to the Constitution and the Basic Law.

The Chinese Government has been firmly committed to "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and high degree of autonomy in Hong Kong.

Thanks to this strong commitment:

• Hong Kong has maintained prosperity and stability.

• Hong Kong's GDP has doubled.

• Hong Kong remains a global centre of finance, shipping and trade.

• Hong Kong continues to be one of the freest and the most competitive economies in the world.

• Today, Hong Kong is the fourth biggest financial centre, the fifth largest container port and the eighth biggest trading entity in the world.

• Hong Kong is also making steady progress in its democratic governance. From political stability, governance efficiency and regulatory quality to the rule of law, control over corruption, right to expression and accountability, many indicators are showing Hong Kong's improvement over pre-handover years.

第三、香港回归开创了人类社会制度的新实践。“一国两制”伟大构想，首次将社会主义制度与资本主义制度融合在一国之内，可以说是对人类社会制度和政治体制的一个伟大创举。正如邓小平先生所讲，“从世界历史来看，有哪个政府制定过这么开明的政策？从资本主义历史看，从西方国家看，有哪一个国家这么做过？”香港的成功生动地证明，“一国两制”是切实可行的中国方案，是人类对不同社会制度的成功实践。微博@高斋翻硕 公众号:高斋翻译学堂

Third, Hong Kong's return is a major innovation in terms of social and political system.

"One country, two systems" is a great invention. It allows the coexistence of the socialist and capitalist systems within one country.

This is unprecedented in human history. In Deng Xiaoping's words, "Has any government in the history of the world ever adopted a liberal policy like this? Has any western country in the history of capitalism ever done anything like this?"

The successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong shows that this solution proposed by China is absolutely feasible. It is a daring and successful experiment with different social systems.

第四、香港回归开创了和平解决国际争端的新典范。香港问题横跨3个世纪，延宕156年，涉及的历史问题和现实纷争错综复杂。但中英两国通过10多年的和平谈判，创新思路，创新方法，最终实现香港顺利回归，这是一个了不起的历史性成就，是中英双方共同努力的结果，同时也为世界各国解决国家间历史遗留问题提供了范例，为世界和平、发展与进步事业贡献了智慧。微博@高斋翻硕 公众号:高斋翻译学堂

Fourth, Hong Kong's return sets a fine example of peaceful resolution of international disputes.

The Hong Kong question had existed for 156 years. It involved highly complex historical issues and contemporary disputes. However, China and Britain opted for new ways of thinking and explored untried solutions. After ten years of peaceful negotiation, the Hong Kong question was successfully solved and Hong Kong was returned to China.

Such a tremendous historical achievement is undoubtedly a result of joint efforts by China and Britain. It is an excellent example of addressing historical issues between states. It is also a contribution to world peace, development and progress.

香港回归20年来，在中国中央政府大力支持下，在包括香港同胞在内的全体中国人民携手努力下，香港的发展更加稳健，与祖国的联系更加紧密，发展前景更加广阔。

In the past twenty years since Hong Kong's return, the Chinese Central Government has given Hong Kong its strong backing. The people in Hong Kong and the mainland have worked hand in hand.

Thanks to all these, Hong Kong has maintained steady and robust growth. It has built up closer ties with the motherland. It has set out to embrace a future that is brighter than ever before.

然而在香港和国际上，仍有人对“一国两制”的前景感到忧虑，担心中国政府的政策会变。这说明他们不了解香港的现实，不了解中国政府的政策。

However, there are still some worries in Hong Kong and in the world about the future of "one country, two systems". Some are concerned that there might be a "policy change" by the Chinese Government.

I think these worries and concerns only reveal a lack of understanding of Hong Kong's reality and the Chinese Government's policy.

香港20年来的成功实践充分说明，“一国两制”是一项好政策，好政策就不会变。正如习近平主席所说，“无论遇到什么样的困难和挑战，我们对‘一国两制’方针的信心和决心都绝不会动摇，我们推进‘一国两制’实践的信心和决心都绝不会动摇。”当然，“一国两制”作为一项创举，没有先例可循，在前进的道路上必然会遇到这样那样的问题，但这只是成长中的烦恼、前进中的问题，必将在发展中成熟，在探索中完善。

Hong Kong has been successful in the past two decades. That means "one country, two systems" is a good policy. A good policy will not change.

As President Xi Jinping said, "Whatever difficulties and challenges there are, our confidence and determination for the 'one country, two systems' policy remain unchanged, and our confidence and determination in implementing this policy remain unchanged."

"One country, two systems" is an undertaking untried before. There is no precedent to follow. And there will inevitably be all sorts of problems on the way ahead.

But any problems that will emerge are "growing pains". They are problems on our way forward. I believe through trial and exploration, "one country, two systems" will continue to be improved and become mature.

女士们，先生们，

Ladies and Gentlemen,

香港回归之前，一直是中英关系的历史遗留问题。香港回归以来，日益成为中英关系的重要桥梁和纽带。在新的历史时期，如何坚持“一国两制”、确保香港的长期繁荣与稳定；如何更好发挥香港的桥梁作用，助力中英关系“黄金时代”深入发展，我认为以下三点至关重要：微博@高斋翻硕 公众号:高斋翻译学堂

Before its return, Hong Kong had been a historical question between China and Britain. After its return, Hong Kong became an important bridge and bond linking our two countries.

As we move forward into a new era, we need to stay committed to the "one country, two systems" policy and maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability in the long run.

We also need to enhance Hong Kong's role as a bridge linking China and the UK as we advance our bilateral ties in the "Golden Era".

To achieve these goals, I think the following three points hold the key.

一要坚持初心，全面落实不走样。维护国家主权、安全和发展利益、保持香港繁荣稳定是“一国两制”的根本宗旨。“一国”是“两制”的前提和根本，绝不可动摇，不可偏废。只有在祖国的大家庭中，香港才能保持繁荣稳定。我们要坚持初心，全面准确贯彻“一国两制”，确保不走样，不变形，这符合中英两国的共同利益。

First, we must be true to our commitment and strictly follow through "one country, two systems".

The fundamental purpose of "one country, two systems" is twofold:

• to uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests,

• and to maintain prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

"One country" is the underlying precondition for "two systems". It should never be swayed or altered. Being a member of the big family of the Chinese nation is Hong Kong's guarantee for long-term prosperity and stability.

We must stay true to our commitment:

That is, we must apply "one country, two systems" comprehensively and accurately. We must always make sure that this policy is not misinterpreted or misimplemented. This is in the shared interests of China and the UK.

二要坚定信心，抢抓机遇不放松。在国际竞争日益激烈的大背景下，中国中央政府将继续全力支持香港发展。“一带一路”、“十三五”规划建设以及即将出台的粤港澳大湾区城市群发展规划，都将给香港未来发展带来新机遇，也将给中英、港英合作开辟新空间。我们要坚定对香港发展前景的信心，抓住机遇，进一步深化中英、港英务实合作，更好惠及两国三地。微博@高斋翻硕 公众号:高斋翻译学堂

Second, we must maintain confidence and seize the opportunities to build a better future for Hong Kong.

In the context of intense international competition, the Chinese Central Government will continue to make all-out efforts to support Hong Kong's development. These include:

• The Belt and Road Initiative,

• The 13th Five Year Plan,

• And the grand design of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Big Bay Area.

These will bring new opportunities to Hong Kong. They will also create new growth in China-UK and Hong Kong-UK cooperation.

All we must do is to keep up the confidence in Hong Kong's future and seize the opportunities to deepen cooperation between China and the UK and between Hong Kong and Britain. This will make sure that we will all benefit.

三是坚守底线，激浊扬清不动摇。香港是中国的香港，中国不容分裂，“港独”没有出路。英国政府多次明确表示，英方不支持“港独”，中方对此表示赞赏。我们要认清“港独”危害，坚守底线不动摇，坚决反对任何形式的“港独”活动。

Third, we must hold our bottom line and firmly oppose the so-called "Hong Kong independence".

Hong Kong is an integral part of China. China brooks no division. There is no way out for so-called "Hong Kong independence".

The British Government has made it clear on many occasions that Britain does not support "Hong Kong independence". We commend this position of the British Government.

Clearly, the so-called "Hong Kong independence" will bring up nothing but harm and hazard. "Hong Kong independence" activities in whatever form must be firmly opposed. This is the bottom line that we must hold.

在此，我想强调的是，中国政府支持香港发展对外交往与合作，但坚决反对任何外部势力以任何借口干涉香港事务。希望英国各界人士尊重香港回归的现实，尊重中国对香港的主权，全面理解“一国两制”，妥善处理香港问题，使香港继续成为中英关系中的积极因素，为中英关系“黄金时代”贡献正能量。

Here I would like to make this absolutely clear:

The Chinese Government supports Hong Kong's ties and cooperation with the world. However, we firmly oppose any interference in Hong Kong affairs by any foreign country under any excuse.

With this said, I hope that all sectors in Britain will respect the facts that:

• Hong Kong has returned to China.

• China has sovereignty over Hong Kong.

• The "one country, two systems" policy must be seen in its totality.

• Hong Kong-related issues must be handled appropriately.

I hope that by recognizing and respecting the above, we will continue to make Hong Kong a positive factor between China and Britain.

By recognizing and respecting the above, we will ensure that Hong Kong will continue to contribute positive energy to the "Golden Era" of China-UK relations.

女士们，先生们：

Ladies and Gentlemen,

“来而不可失者时也，蹈而不可失者机也。”我衷心希望，中英两国各界人士能够抓住机遇，勠力同心，携手努力，积极支持香港发展，共同捍卫香港繁荣稳定的基石，共同开创香港更加美好的明天！

"Do not let slip when the time comes.

Do not let pass when opportunity knocks."

I sincerely hope that people from all sectors in China and Britain will seize the opportunities before us.

And we must all work hand in hand to support Hong Kong's development, to consolidate the cornerstone of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and to create a more promising future for Hong Kong.

现在，我提议，

Now may I invite you to join me in a toast:

为香港更加美好的明天，

To a promising future of Hong Kong.

为中英关系“黄金时代”的美好前景，

To the "Golden Era" of China-UK relations.

干杯!