Xi Jinping’s speech at 25th anniversary of handover ceremony is ‘most expansive’ account of ‘one country, two systems’ and a ‘calming pill’ for doubters: Beijing official

At a seminar on Saturday, Luo Huining, director of Beijing’s liaison office in the city, said Xi’s speech was a “milestone” in its significance, as he urged Hong Kong to have a sense of urgency to improve governance and grasp development chances as “opportunity knocks only once”.

In a keynote speech during his two-day visit this week to mark the city’s 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese sovereignty, Xi spelled out Beijing’s commitment to the unique governing formula that allows Hong Kong to maintain its own capitalist system and enjoy a high degree of autonomy. “There is no reason to change such a good system. And it must be adhered to in the long run!” he declared.

Echoing Xi’s remarks, Luo said: “He gave the most definitive answer to the important question of how long one country, two systems will last.”

But the president also reminded the city of the central government’s overall jurisdiction, as “upholding our country’s sovereignty, security and development interests is the paramount principle in the policy of one country, two systems”.

Xi, who spoke after the swearing-in of city leader John Lee Ka-chiu and his team, also laid down four expectations of the new government, instructing them to improve governance, strengthen the momentum of development, solve deep-seated livelihood issues, and ensure harmony as the city “cannot afford any chaos”.

Interpreting the president’s speech, Luo said Xi’s assurances had injected “self-confidence” to Hong Kong society and was “a calming pill” for doubters questioning the feasibility of, and fearing possible changes to, the principle.