| 12.21.2004 The Straits Times Hu praises Macau, criticises HK Speech cites Macau as a model but there is no mention of Taiwan By Ching Cheong, Chief China Correspondent MACAU - CHINESE President Hu Jintao yesterday praised Macau on its success under the 'one country, two systems' unification model, but separately chided Hong Kong's government, saying it should learn from its mistakes. He did not extend the unification model to Taiwan, a sign that the Chinese leadership may be adopting a more pragmatic approach towards the island it regards as a renegade province. In a speech marking the fifth anniversary of the former Portuguese colony's return to Chinese rule, he said Macau's success was a testament that the unification model crafted by the late Chinese patriarch Deng Xiaoping was 'accurate'. 'The past five years saw the successful implementation of our policy of 'one country, two systems',' said Mr Hu, whose trip to Macau was his first since he became President. 'Time has proven that Deng Xiaoping's 'one country, two systems' formula is perfectly accurate and it will continue to exhibit an immense power to live on.' Since its return to Chinese rule in 1999, Macau has achieved double-digit growth for three years running, bringing about unprecedented prosperity. The incidence of crime and gang violence has also dropped. Mr Hu's praise of Macau was in stark contrast to his unusually harsh comments about Hong Kong, beset with economic woes and political troubles, especially demands for democratic reforms. At a meeting held on the sidelines of celebrations in Macau, Mr Hu told Hong Kong leader Tung Chee Hwa and his ministers to reflect on the past and learn from mistakes, an expression used in political scolding. 'I hope everyone will seriously reflect on what Hong Kong has gone through while implementing 'one country, two systems' since returning to the motherland, draw conclusions from its experience, and examine its shortcomings,' said Mr Hu. 'I hope everyone will bear in mind Hong Kong's overall interests,' he said, adding that the Tung government should raise its 'administrative ability and standard of its governance'. Mr Tung later dismissed suggestions that Mr Hu had rebuked him, saying instead that he was simply 'reminded' of 'inadequacies' in the governance of Hong Kong. Despite the denial, the Chinese leader's comments were nevertheless seen as unprecedented criticism of Mr Tung's unpopular administration. Mr Hu's approach contrasted with that of his predecessor Jiang Zemin, who never admitted publicly that post-handover Hong Kong faced huge problems. Mr Hu had been widely expected to mention Taiwan in his speech yesterday, but did not do so. While applauding the success of the 'one country, two systems' model, he did not extend it to Taiwan. Observers said this may signal a more pragmatic approach by the Chinese leadership, which has tried for years to convince Taiwan to accept the model, which allows for some local autonomy in exchange for accepting Beijing's rule. Indeed the spirit of pragmatism is prevalent throughout the speech, which took stock of the model objectively and tried to find ways to fix whatever problems that exist. For instance, Mr Hu admitted that how to implement the model presented a test to both Beijing and the Special Administrative Region (SAR) governments of Hong Kong and Macau. 'While socialism is practised in the main body of the country, how to properly administer, build and develop the two SARs where capitalism is practised, and maintain their long-term prosperity and stability, is a brand new issue for the central and the SAR governments,' he said. He also admitted that as the unification model was an unprecedented undertaking, problems in implementing it were inevitable. 'We must correctly analyse and properly handle these problems,' he said. This spirit of pragmatism was absent in all statements before July last year, when half a million Hong Kongers took to the streets in a massive anti-government protest. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| moreAbout East Asia |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|