In recent times, Hong Kong and Macao have been administering their affairs in accordance with the law across various fields, including economic development, regional integration, youth exchanges, and the rule of law. From the first five-year plan in Hong Kong to the third five-year plan in Macao, from the achievements of the Hengqin Cooperation Zone over the past five years since its establishment, to Hong Kong and Macao youth flag-raising teams visiting Tiananmen Square, and to the public adjudication of the Jimmy Lai case by Hong Kong courts—under the framework of "One Country, Two Systems," Hong Kong and Macao are demonstrating a new outlook of high-quality development through concrete actions.

Hong Kong Unveils Its First Five-Year Plan, Setting a Timetable and Roadmap for Development

On September 16, 2026, John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced the first five-year plan since Hong Kong's return to China. Adhering to seven core concepts, the plan proposes five major objectives and establishes 105 indicators. It clarifies a mechanism led by the five-year plan, implemented through annual policy addresses, supported by financial budgets, and reviewed through annual duty reports. Based on the realities of Hong Kong, the plan unfolds across six key directions, including the Northern Metropolis, innovation and technology, improvement of people's livelihoods, and regional cooperation, exploring a new governance model that combines an efficient market with a capable government. The plan follows the principle of non-inclusion but alignment: the socioeconomic indicators of the Special Administrative Region are not included in the national plan, but actively align with national development directions. Hong Kong is placing economic transformation, livelihood improvement, and integration into the overall national development on the same blueprint.

Macau Unveils Its Third Five-Year Plan, Carrying Forward the Hengqin Cooperation

On August 18, 2026, Macau released its third five-year plan, closely aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. It places moderate economic diversification and the development of the Hengqin Cooperation Zone at a prominent position, clarifying the "1+4" industrial direction. The Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone has achieved remarkable results in the five years since its establishment: regional GDP increased from 45.463 billion yuan in 2021 to 54.705 billion yuan in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 7.5 percent in the first half of 2026. The added value of the "Four New" industries accounted for over 68 percent of GDP. As of August, there were more than 8,200 Macau-funded enterprises, an increase of over 76 percent compared to five years ago; Macau youth entrepreneurship projects exceeded 410, with an increase of over 130 percent. The facilitation of clearance at the Hengqin Port has continued to improve, and "Macau plus Hengqin" is moving from hardware connectivity to rule alignment.

Classrooms Under the National Flag: Young People Are the Driving Force for Deepening Exchanges Between the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau

Young people are the future of Hong Kong and Macau, and a vital force in deepening exchanges between the mainland and the two regions. From September 18 to 22, 2026, representatives of the Hong Kong and Macau flag-raising teams visited Beijing. Approximately 1,000 flag-raising team representatives from 121 primary and secondary schools and 21 universities in Hong Kong and Macau watched the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square and exchanged views with the Honor Guard and Ceremonial Unit of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Christine Choi, Secretary for Education of Hong Kong, stated that the activity enabled students to "understand history and responsibility through the national flag"; Gong Zhiming, Director of the Education and Youth Development Bureau of Macau, indicated that it helps young people "understand the nation's development achievements and strengthen their sense of national identity."

Rule of Law Lays a Stable Foundation, and Judicial Justice Cannot and Will Not Be Absent

Exchanges enhance identity, and stability is the prerequisite for all development. On December 15, 2025, the Court of First Instance of the High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region found Jimmy Lai and three companies related to Apple Daily guilty of three charges of endangering national security. The court's judgment, spanning 855 pages, was made fully available for public access. The case underwent 156 days of public hearings, during which the court examined 2,220 exhibits, over 80,000 pages of documents, and the testimonies of 14 prosecution witnesses, with Jimmy Lai himself taking the stand for 52 days. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu responded that the verdict "demonstrates legal justice and upholds Hong Kong's core values," emphasizing that the law does not permit anyone to harm the nation and compatriots under the guise of human rights, democracy, and freedom. For Hong Kong society, handling acts endangering national security in accordance with the law is the foundation for maintaining social stability and a sound business environment.
For Hong Kong and Macau, "One Country, Two Systems" is the greatest advantage, and China's reform and opening-up is the biggest stage. The implementation of national strategies such as the "Belt and Road Initiative" and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area presents significant new opportunities. As long as the vital task of leveraging their own strengths to align with national needs is accomplished well, the development of Hong Kong and Macau will surely hold great promise and achieve great success.