China's State Council Information Office on Monday issued a white paper titled "Hong Kong: Democratic Progress Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems."
The white paper presented a comprehensive review of the origin and development of democracy in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and the principles and position of the central government.
Under British colonial rule, there was no democracy in Hong Kong, it said.
The white paper pointed out that after resuming the exercise of sovereignty, the Chinese government implemented the basic policy of "one country, two systems" and established democracy in the HKSAR.
The white paper hailed the "one country, two systems" policy as a creative innovation of the CPC and the Chinese government that has proved to be a great success in Hong Kong.
Rooted in the motherland, and buttressed by democracy and the rule of law, a free and inclusive Hong Kong will continue to prosper, to enjoy enduring stability and harmony, and to open itself to the world, the white paper said.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
