HONG KONG –
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday defended his vision of the “one country, two systems” framework against accusations by the United States, Britain and others that Beijing has undermined the freedoms and autonomy promised to Hong Kong for 50 years. .
In a speech marking 25 years since the city became a semi-autonomous Chinese region after its handover from Britain in 1997, Xi said the “one country, two systems” framework, which allows Hong Kong to have its own laws and government, had achieved “universally recognized success.”
“There is no reason for such a good system to change, and it should be maintained for a long time,” he said, in what appeared to be an attempt to reassure residents that Hong Kong could retain its relative freedoms even after 50 years.
But Xi also stressed that Beijing had “comprehensive jurisdiction” over Hong Kong, and that Hong Kong should respect Chinese leadership, even as Beijing allows regions like Hong Kong and Macau to maintain their capitalist system and some degree of autonomy.
He warned that there will be no tolerance for foreign interference or traitors to meddle in Hong Kong affairs, and that “safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests” is of top priority.
“No one in any country or region of the world will allow foreign countries or even traitorous forces and figures to take power,” he said, adding that only by having patriots running Hong Kong can Hong Kong ensure long-term stability.
Xi last visited Hong Kong in 2017 for the July 1 celebrations, during which he warned that there would be no tolerance for any activity seen as a threat to China’s sovereignty and stability.
The months of pro-democracy protests in 2019 were seen by China’s ruling Communist Party as such a threat.
Since the protests, authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong drafted a national security law that was later used to arrest dozens of activists, media figures, and democracy supporters; introduced a more “patriotic” curriculum in schools; and revamped election laws to keep opposition politicians who are not considered patriotic enough out of the city Legislature. The changes have all but eliminated dissenting voices in the city and prompted many to leave.
Xi’s two-day trip to Hong Kong is his first outside mainland China since the pandemic began in January 2020. Security in Hong Kong has been tightened for his arrival, with designated security and no-fly zones. Thousands of guests were asked to take daily coronavirus tests and ordered to check into quarantine hotels before attending events with Xi on Thursday and Friday.
Xi also officiated at the swearing-in ceremony for Hong Kong’s new leader, John Lee, a former security official who has overseen a crackdown on dissent in the city since the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Lee vowed to uphold the mini- city constitution, the Basic Law, and be loyal to Hong Kong. He also promised to be accountable to the central government in Beijing.
At a morning flag-raising ceremony, attended by Lee, his predecessor Carrie Lam and other officials but not by Xi, police officers carrying the Chinese and Hong Kong flags marched to Golden Bauhinia Square for the ceremony. with the Chinese style of “goose step”. replacing a British-style gear. Guests stood to attention as the Chinese national anthem was played.