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China’s Xi vows to uphold ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong
BEIJING, Sept 30, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed
Monday to uphold the “one country, two systems” principle in Hong Kong, after
months of pro-democracy protests in the semi-autonomous city.
Speaking at a reception in Beijing the night before celebrations to mark
the country’s 70th anniversary, Xi said the country would “continue to fully
and faithfully implement the principles of ‘one country, two systems'” and a
“high degree of autonomy.”
Hong Kong has been plagued by months of unrest over what protesters say
are eroding freedoms in the financial hub, which was handed back to China by
Britain in 1997.
“We are confident that with the full backing of the motherland and the
concerted efforts of our fellow Chinese in Hong Kong and Macau who love the
motherland… (Hong Kong) will prosper and progress alongside the mainland,”
Xi said.
China is preparing for a highly-choreographed anniversary celebration on
October 1, including a huge military parade and anniversary gala.
Protesters in Hong Kong are hoping to upstage the event with another
demonstration on Tuesday following a weekend of intense clashes with police.
Beijing has been positioning the event as a triumphant celebration of its
economic growth over the last seven decades, as well as emphasising the
importance of a unified territory and nationalism.
“Unity is iron and steel. Unity is a source of strength,” Xi said in his
speech.
He also referred to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing still
sees as part of its territory awaiting reunification.
“The complete reunification of the motherland is an inevitable trend… no
one and no force can ever stop it,” he said.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1649 hrs