Hong Kong unveiled its first five-year plan on Wednesday, which is seen as a step towards aligning the development policies of this semi-autonomous city with mainland China.
Details of the Five-Year Plan
This is the first time since Hong Kong's return to China on July 1, 1997, that a targeted and five-year plan with binding and projected goals has been launched. John Lee, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, emphasized the need for full and correct implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy during an annual speech at the Legislative Council after the unveiling of this plan.
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Emphasis on National Security and Social Stability
In this plan, Lee referred to the importance of development alongside national security, stating: "Pursuing development does not mean ignoring national security. We will continue to improve and strengthen these mechanisms to protect national security." He also added that the city government will adhere to an executive governance model and will coordinate efforts to maintain social stability and improve the welfare of the people.
Lee also announced that in the past year of his current term, which began in 2022, he held a two-month public consultation before unveiling this plan. He stated that the people of Hong Kong will better understand how the government will translate its long-term plan into specific policy actions in the coming year.
Strategy and Future Outlook
Lee described the five-year plan as "forward-looking and strategic," stating that this plan outlines the long-term direction of the city. He also referred to the close connection between this plan and the annual speech, saying: "These two documents are interconnected, and each complements the other."
Mainland China has also launched its fifteenth five-year plan this year, which will continue until 2030. This alignment seeks to position Hong Kong's economic and social development in line with China's broader goals.
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