Xia said Xi's speech profoundly revealed the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" in the past and how to achieve greater success in the future.

He said Xi's remarks on safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests were the highest principle of the "one country, two systems".

He said "one country" is the root, without the country it is impossible to achieve "two systems". Therefore, all residents of the SAR should consciously respect and protect the fundamental system of the country.

Xia also said in recent years, the central government has taken a series of initiatives in Hong Kong and Macau to ensure that the "one country, two systems" principle will not change. "If the principle was not protected, there is no way to talk about the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and Macau, as well as the stability of citizens' livelihood."

"The central authorities firmly support the implementation of an executive-led system in Hong Kong, the healthy interaction between the government and legislature, and the independent exercise of judicial power by the judiciary in accordance with the law."

Xia said “patriots governing Hong Kong” was necessary to ensure the long-term stability of Hong Kong. Every Hong Kong and Macau resident is a participant, a practitioner and a beneficiary of "patriots governing Hong Kong" and "patriots governing Macau".

Therefore, all Hong Kong and Macau citizens should be on guard against anti-China disruptors and resolutely fight against them all. Xia said, "We should be determined to tackle external forces from the United States and other western countries to protect Hong Kong and Macau."

He added that "maintaining Hong Kong's unique status and advantages" was Xi's wish, which showed how much importance and love is given to Hong Kong. "The implementation of 'one country, two systems' is an important strategic consideration, a long-term strategy."

Lau Siu-kai, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said Xia's words meant that he believed Hong Kong may face escalating pressures from western countries in the future. And Xia hoped that people would believe the central government and the SAR government can resist foreign power on behalf of the city.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said after attending the seminar that Xi's speech will be the main direction of his administration in the next five years.

"I wanna tell everyone that Hong Kong should be confident," Lee said. "President Xi also said Hong Kong has never been absent from the development of the country, so Hong Kong will contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."