On November 8, Ambassador Liu Xiaoming and Madam Hu Pinghua attended the Young Icebreakers Anniversary Dinner of 2019 co-hosted by the 48 Group Club and China Chamber of Commerce in the UK (CCCUK). Ambassador Liu delivered a keynote speech entitled Fully and Faithfully Implementing "One Country, Two Systems" is Key to Sustained Prosperity and Stability in Hong Kong. Around 200 guests were present at the event, including Stephen Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club, Cao Li, Vice-Chairman of CCCUK, David Brewer, former Lord Mayor of the City of London and Chairman of China Britain Business Council, and members of "The Young Icebreakers".

In his speech, Ambassador Liu said that, one important lesson learned from the past 65 years of China-UK diplomatic relationship at the chargé d'affaires level is mutual respect. This means China and the UK should respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs, and carry out equal-footed and mutually-beneficial cooperation. History proves that when these principles were upheld, China-UK relationship would move forward; otherwise, this relationship would suffer setbacks or even backpedal. Regrettably, the question of Hong Kong now stands out again in China-UK relationship as violence in Hong Kong continues. Ambassador Liu pointed out that the key to properly handling the Hong Kong issue is to clarify four questions. "The first is how we correctly and accurately understand 'One Country, Two Systems'? 'One Country, Two Systems' was first proposed by Mr. Deng Xiaoping. It is a basic policy of the Chinese Government established according to the Constitution of China and implemented through the Basic Law. It is one complete concept consisting of a complete set of policies. Without 'One Country', 'Two Systems' will no longer exist. As long as 'One Country' is upheld, the Chinese Government respects the differences between the two systems, and supports 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong' and a high degree of autonomy," he added.

The second question is, who is undermining "One Country, Two Systems"? In the past 22 years since the handover of Hong Kong, the Chinese Government has remained committed to implementing "One Country, Two Systems" fully and accurately. This is recognised the world over. The opposition and radical forces in Hong Kong who instigated confrontations, the radical offenders in Hong Kong who conducted a series of violent acts, and some politicians in western countries who blatantly interfered in the affairs of Hong Kong and the internal affairs of China are those who are undermining "One Country, Two Systems"!

The third question is, does "One Country, Two Systems" have anything to do with the Sino-British Joint Declaration? The "copyright" of "One Country, Two Systems" belongs to China. It is not a synonym of the Joint Declaration. The UK must not claim the right that does not belong to it. The Joint Declaration has been fulfilled with the return of Hong Kong. The UK has no sovereignty, jurisdiction or right of "supervision" over Hong Kong whatsoever. When China pledged that "One Country, Two Systems" would remain unchanged for 50 years, China did this in accordance with the Basic Law, rather than the Joint Declaration. The fourth question is, what is the prospect of "One Country, Two Systems"? With the strong support of the Central Government and under the leadership of Chief Executive Carrie Lam and the SAR Government, Hong Kong will overcome the difficulties and put an end to chaos. The "oriental pearl" will once again shine brightly and continue the success of "One Country, Two Systems".

Ambassador Liu emphasized that a stable and prosperous Hong Kong is in the interests of both China and the UK. He hoped that all of the guests will make active efforts to help the public in the UK to understand "One Country, Two Systems" correctly and urge the British Government and Parliament to uphold the basic principles of China-UK relationship. This means respecting China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and no interference in Hong Kong affairs, which are China's internal affairs. He hoped that all of the guests will support the SAR Government in bringing the chaos to an end and restoring order and support Hong Kong's efforts in maintaining prosperity and stability, and work together to create sound conditions for the healthy and steady growth of China-UK relationship.

Perry thanked Ambassador Liu for his elaboration on "One Country, Two Systems", saying that the 48 Group Club and "The Young Icebreakers" have always been firmly supportive of "One Country, Two Systems" and believed that it is the best institutional arrangement to solve the current Hong Kong issue and maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. The 48 Group Club has always been committed to promoting China- UK cooperation in economy and trade and is willing to continue exploring the potential of cooperation between the two sides, so as to make contribution to the development of China-UK relations.

After his speech, Ambassador Liu took questions regarding the Chinese Government's policies about Hong Kong, the challenges that the young people of China and the UK are facing, how to enhance the mutual understanding between the people of the two countries, education and innovation cooperation between China and the UK, the development of Confucius Institutes, cooperation between Chinese and British enterprises, and the prospect of post-Brexit China-UK relations.

In his speech, Cao Li noted that the current cooperation between China and the UK in economy and trade is full of opportunities and bearing fruitful outcomes. CCCUK is committed to expanding the cooperation between China and the UK in a wider spectrum. He also hoped that "The Young Icebreakers" would strive for innovation, passion and devotion, so as to actively push forward the development of China-UK relations.

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"The Young Icebreakers" in the UK was founded in May 1st, 2008, affiliated to the 48 Group Club. The Young Icebreakers provides a channel for Chinese and British young people to share ideas and understand each other, helping to deepen the cooperation between China and the UK in economy and trade, education, and culture.