HONG KONG: The practice of “One Country, Two Systems” in Hong Kong has achieved accomplishments “recognized worldwide,” Chinese President Xi Jinping said on a visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Friday.
Xi made the remarks at a meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR.
Xi said Hong Kong’s return opened a new epoch in its history during which it has made irreplaceable contributions to the miracle of long-term, steady and fast economic development of the motherland.
Hong Kong has become an integral part of the country’s overall development and actively aligned with national development strategies, the president said. It has continued to maintain the strengths of being highly free and open and compatible with international rules, he added.
“After reuniting with the motherland, Hong Kong’s people became the masters of their own city,” he said. “Hong Kong’s true democracy started from here.”
Friday’s ceremony included the inauguration of the city’s new government, led by John Lee — a former security chief who oversaw the police response to those demonstrations.
“After all the storms, everyone has painfully learned that Hong Kong can’t fall into chaos and Hong Kong can’t afford chaos,” Xi said.
“It must get rid of all disturbances and focus on development.”
