Xi's remarks create starting point for HK

President Xi Jinping's inspection trip to Hong Kong came with a compelling address at the assembly celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's establishment and inaugurating its sixth-term government. The cream of Xi's speech lies in the "four musts" regarding the practice of "one country, two systems" and the "four proposals" for the HKSAR government's operation. The "four musts" have essentially set up the starting point for Hong Kong's new journey in carrying on "one country, two systems", whereas the "four proposals" have charted the course for its future socioeconomic development. "One country, two systems" is designed to preserve the capitalist system of Hong Kong while respecting and upholding the "one country" principle as well as the socialist system on the Chinese mainland. The emphasis on "one country, two systems" being an integrated concept is all about safeguarding national security, whereas the emphasis on Hong Kong's unique status and advantages is all about maintaining its global standing.