解放军文职招聘考试Inaugural Speech by HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa(I)

 Inaugural Speech by HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa(I)

This is a momentous and historic day: July 1, 1997. After 156 years of separation, Hong Kong and China are whole again. This is a solemn, stately, and proud moment. We are here today to announce to the world, in our language, that Hong Kong has entered into a new era.

In recent history, China, as a nation, and we, as a people, have been through days of glory and times of despair. We have lived through days of hope, prosperi­ty and glory. We have lived through days of despair, humiliation, and hopelessness. The lesson is clear: the most precious possession of any nation or any people is the ability to chart one's own future, to be master of one's own destiny. Indeed, over the past century and a 1 half, many compatriots, driven by lofty ideals and • steadfast conviction, have devoted themselves to the advancement of our people and safeguarding the territo­rial integrity of our nation. Their enormous sacrifice and tireless efforts have brought us to where we are today. Never have we, as a nation, had such prosperity and potential to achieve greatness as we do today. Nor have we achieved greater recognition and dignity in the international community as we do today, as Hong Kong is finally reunited with China in a smooth and peaceful manner.

Today, we, as a nation, are fortunate to be in a position which our predecessors could only dream about. As a Chinese living in Hong Kong, and on be­half of all the people of Hong Kong, I would like to ex­press our profound respect and gratitude to all the men and women who have made such sacrifices and given us what would otherwise have been impossible to attain.

The resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong un­der "one country, two systems" is an ingenious and novel concept. The eyes of the world are on us, as Hong Kong accepts the great honor, and the challenge, of charting new waters which will make history. I am confident that we will rise to the challenge and build a brighter and better future. Our confidence is well foun­ded. Our conviction is based on the intellect and vision of a great patriot and statesman; on the solemn commit­ment of a great nation; and on the wisdom, industry and versatility of the Hong Kong people, a legacy from our heritage and culture. Above all, we, as one nation and one people, will implement the " one country, two systems" concept; it is entirely within our prerogative to make it work..