Overseas Chinese, experts laud development of HK's political system

Overseas Chinese and experts have spoken positively of a decision by China's top legislature on Hong Kong's electoral reform, saying it is a practical, wise move that will promote social harmony in Hong Kong.

The National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee decided on Sunday to grant universal suffrage in selection of Hong Kong's chief executive on the basis of nomination by a "broadly representative" committee.

Wu Huiqiu, chairman of the National Association for China's Peaceful Unification in Washington D.C., said the decision is of great significance for the long-term political stability in Hong Kong.

The principles set in the decision suit the actual condition of Hong Kong and take into account Hong Kong residents' aspirations, said Wu,adding that Hong Kong has been granted a high level of autonomy within the framework of "one country, two systems."

Peter Lee, an associate professor of international relations at the University of Houston, said democracy is not expected to be accomplished at one go in in any country.

The universal suffrage is an important step for the democratic process in Hong Kong, Lee said.

Wang Xingwu, vice chairman of the Chinese American Association of Greater Chicago, said the Chinese central government has honored its commitments that a universal suffrage will be realized in Hong Kong by 2017 and there should be rules to follow on the issue.

Qian Feng, vice director of the Chinese-language newspaper Asian Daily in Thailand, said the issues related to Hong Kong are China's internal affairs, in which foreign governments should not interfere.

As a British colony, Hong Kong's economic and political affairs had been administrated by governors sent by Britain before its return to China, Qian said, adding that it was completely authoritarian.

He said a democratic process did not begin until Hong Kong's return to China in 1997.

From nomination by the central government to the universal suffrage in selection of the region's chief executive in 2017, Hong Kong's democracy will make a big stride, he said, noting that both local residents and the international community should recognize the positive meaning of the decision.

Boonyong Yongcharoenrat, president of Thai Young Chinese Chamber of Commerce, said the NPC has made a correct decision by granting universal suffrage in Hong Kong.

The universal suffrage should be carried out in line with China's laws and regulations, so as to ensure prosperity and stability in Hong Kong under the policy of "one country, two systems."

Bambang Suryono, a senior Indonesian political analyst, said Hong Kong residents under British rule had no right to choose their leaders.

The NPC's decision is not only a vital progress in the democratic process, but also a milestone in political reform, he said.

Mohamed Abdul Wahab El Saket, a former Egyptian ambassador to China, said that as every country has its own national conditions, it needs to choose a development path accordingly.

The NPC decision, which has maximally incorporated the common aspirations of the entire Chinese people, including Hong Kong citizens, is conducive to the prosperity and development of the region's economy, El Saket said.

It will also help safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and promote social harmony, he added.

Han Jun, chairman of the Eastern-African Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, said the decision has regulated the basic principle about the election in Hong Kong and is in line with the region's Basic Law.

Chinese affairs should be decided by themselves and overseas Chinese should firmly oppose and resist irresponsible remarks of countries which have ulterior motives, he said.

Echoing Han's view, Guo Wenchang, executive vice chairman of the Eastern-African Association for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, said the decision has correctly implemented the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

The hard-won, historic decision also suits the actual social condition of the region and is in the fundamental interests of Hong Kong compatriots, Guo said.