Two systems still in place despite claims to contrary

Ungrounded accusations from some foreign governments over the decision by the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region not to renew the work visa of a foreign correspondent in the SAR are the latest attempt to undermine the principle of "one country, two systems" and attack the central and SAR governments.

Although the Hong Kong immigration authority has not given any specific reasons for not renewing the work visa of Victor Mallet, Asia news editor at the Financial Times, it is a usual practice of immigration authorities worldwide not to comment on individual cases, and visa renewal is a sovereign right that no other governments are allowed to interfere in.

Foreign governments demanding an explanation know this. What they really want is not an answer but to create the illusion that freedom of speech and the press in Hong Kong is dwindling.

The fact is, Hong Kong's Immigration Department rejects countless visa renewal applications for various reasons every year, and dwelling on the visa problem of one foreign journalist in the city is nothing but making a mountain out of a molehill. The news media in Hong Kong, local or foreign, is operating as freely as before and nobody's voice, as long as it remains within the boundaries of the law, is stifled. Hong Kong certainly imposes much less immigration restraints than the United States does on the grounds of national security.

There is also the allegation that the central government is trying to "mainlandize" the SAR. In fact, should "mainlandization" mean the SAR further integrates into the country's overall development strategy, it is something good and what the SAR should continue to do. However, the accusers' real intention is to smear the way "one country, two systems" is being practiced.
President Xi Jinping has repeatedly pointed out: "one country, two systems" is to be implemented without any distortion. Thus the commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong has resolutely voiced his support to the SAR authorities for duly exercising their power over immigration affairs vested in them by the Basic Law.

Contrary to the picture foreign politicians and activists have painted, the SAR is maintaining its unique system as enshrined in the Basic Law while moving forward together with the country in various aspects.