HONG KONG – President Xi Jinping Saturday drew the “red line” for handling relations between the mainland and Hong Kong, warning against attempts to undermine national sovereignty or challenge the central government’s power.
“Any attempt to endanger national sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government and the authority of the Basic Law of the HKSAR or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line, and is absolutely impermissible,” he said.
Xi made the remarks at a gathering celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
No bending, distortion of ‘one country, two systems’ in HK: Xi
President Xi Jinping said the central government will unswervingly implement the policy of “one country, two systems” and make sure that it is fully applied in Hong Kong without being bent or distorted.
To uphold and implement the principle of “one country, two systems” meets the interests of the Hong Kong people, responds to the needs of maintaining Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, serves the fundamental interests of the nation, and meets the shared aspiration of all Chinese, he said.
Xi made the remarks when attending a gathering here celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, and the inaugural ceremony of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Development top priority for HK: Xi
President Xi Jinping said Hong Kong should always focus on development as the top priority.
“Development, an abiding pursuit, is crucial for Hong Kong’s survival, and it holds the golden key to resolving various issues in Hong Kong,” he said.
Xi made the remarks when attending a gathering here celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The mainland’s continuous and rapid development over the years provides an invaluable opportunity and an inexhaustible source of strengths and broad space for Hong Kong’s development, Xi said.
“It is important to cherish the opportunity, seize it and focus your energy on Hong Kong’s development,” he stressed.
HK cannot afford to be torn apart by internal rift: Xi
Hong Kong cannot afford to be torn apart by reckless moves or internal rift amid the intense global competition, President Xi Jinping warned.
Hong Kong is a plural society with “different views and even major differences on some specific issues,” he acknowledged.
However, “making everything political or deliberately creating differences and provoking confrontation will not resolve the problems,” Xi said. “On the contrary, it can only severely hinder Hong Kong’s economic and social development.”
“Hong Kong is an affluent society, but it also faces enormous challenges posed by profound changes in the global economic environment and the increasingly intense international competition,” he said.
Xi sounded the caution when attending a gathering here celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, and the inaugural ceremony of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
“It is imperative to always maintain a harmonious and stable social environment,” he said, noting that “harmony brings good fortune, while discord leads to misfortune.”
The concept of “one country, two systems” gives expression to the vision of peace and harmony in the Chinese culture, and it embodies a very important tenet, namely, seeking broad common ground while setting aside major differences, Xi said.
“On the part of the central government, we are ready to talk to anyone who loves the country, loves Hong Kong and genuinely supports the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, no matter what political views or position he or she may hold.”
