Xi defends Hong Kong's vision on its 25th anniversary

Hong Kong — China's leader Xi Jinping In a speech on Friday, Hong Kong celebrated its 25th anniversary and emphasized Beijing's control over the former British colony under the vision of "one country, two systems." He counters criticism that the political and civil liberties promised in the next quarter century have been significantly erased. Under Chinese rule.

Xi praised the city for overcoming "violent social unrest." This was a reference to a major anti-democracy movement in 2019, followed by a Beijing-led crackdown that drowned out and closed the opposition. Bring down independent media and bring Hong Kong closer to tighter control under China's ruling Communist Party.

This shift shocked many of the 7.4 million cities that returned to China in 1997 after Britain operated as a colony for over a century. As part of the agreement, China has agreed to allow Hong Kong to have its own government and legal system for 50 years.

In the years that followed, Hong Kong activists opposed China's efforts to limit freedom, demanded a completely democratic election, and attracted hundreds of thousands to march on the streets. ..

Under Xi, the pushback is silent. For many years, the anniversary of the delivery on July 1st was characterized by an official ceremony in the morning and a protest march in the afternoon. Protesters are now silent about praising the Communist Party for restoring city stability.

Xi, Beijing has "comprehensive jurisdiction" over Hong Kong, and Beijing maintains a capitalist system and some degree of autonomy in areas like Hong Kong and neighboring Macau. Hong Kong should respect China's leadership, even if it allows it.

"After returning to our homeland, Hong Kong has overcome all sorts of challenges and has made steady progress," said Xi. "Whether it was an international financial crisis, a coronavirus pandemic, or a violent social unrest, there was nothing to stop Hong Kong's progress."

His speech represents the culmination of what Chinese scholar Jeff Wasserstrom described as a push-and-pull between two competing visions of "one country, two systems."

Many people in Hong Kong "fought with a better understanding of the two systems and the idea that they had very different lifestyles," said a professor at the University of California, Irvine. Said the author, Wasserstrom. "Vigil: Hong Kongon the Brink"

At least for now, that view loses to the narrower of the Communist Party, which is primarily interested in maintaining the economic benefits of Hong Kong's capitalist system. He said.

Hong Kong resident Grace Chang had little reason to celebrate on Friday. "It's been very difficult for people in Hong Kong in recent years," she said. "Today I just didn't want to relax and stay in a negative atmosphere for a long time."

Authorities have used extensive national security legislation since the 2019 protest. He has arrested numerous activists, media outlets and democracy supporters. They introduced a more patriotic curriculum in schools and amended election laws to keep opposition politicians who are considered non-patriotic away from the city council.

In that view, the Chinese Communist Party has restored the stability of the city destroyed by demonstrations, which is considered a direct challenge to its rule. For Western democracy, Xi undermined the freedom and lifestyle that made it a global financial and trade hub, distinguishing cities from mainland China.

In a statement, Adrian Watson, a spokeswoman for the National Security Council, China's policy towards Hong Kong, including the National Security Act, was "the basis of international confidence in Hong Kong. It shook institutions, rules and systems. " Hong Kong.

British Foreign Minister Liz Truss said: "Since the enforcement of the National Security Act on June 30, 2020, there has been a steady erosion of political and civil rights. We have banished those who can challenge and tell the truth to power.

Xi warned that foreign interference and traitors would not be allowed to interfere with the situation in Hong Kong. He said "protecting national sovereignty, security and development interests" is a top priority.

"No one in any country or region of the world allows foreigners or even traitors to seize power," he said, long-term only by having a patriot who governs Hong Kong. He added that it is possible to secure stable stability. ..

He said that "one country, two systems" is still an excellent system that "must be maintained for a long time."

In the remote village of Tai O, where stilt houses are built, fisherman Ng Kun-yau is in good health and Beijing is in charge.

"Hong Kong is part of China and I have never considered moving to another place," said Ng, who came from China's neighboring Guangdong province in the 1950s. "I hope China will make Hong Kong a better place and everyone can prosper."

Xi also emphasized the importance of caring for young people in Hong Kong. .. Many of the 2014 and 2019 democratic protesters were students and were disillusioned not only with the promised loss of political freedom, but also with the increasingly competitive employment market and rising housing costs.

"We need to help the majority of young people solve the challenges they face in research, employment, entrepreneurship and property ownership," he said. rice field. “More opportunities must be created for them to grow and become talented.”

Xi's trip to Hong Kong was a pandemic of COVID-19 in January 2020. It was the first trip outside mainland China since the outbreak. He last visited Hong Kong in 2017 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his delivery.

Thousands of guests had to undergo daily coronavirus testing and check in at a quarantine hotel before attending an event with Xi.

Xi took office on the oath of Hong Kong's new leader, John Lee, who oversaw the crackdown on the opposition.

"The next five years will be an important time for Hong Kong to move from rule to prosperity," said Lee.

He had previously shown plans to comply with the long-unsatisfied requirement of the city to enact its own legislation to protect the Chinese government from acts that threaten national security. After a major protest in 2003, the previous initiative was abandoned.

Amnesty International warned that Lee's plans for laws governing state secrets and cybersecurity are likely to reflect similar laws in China.

"A very broad definition of such a law promotes arbitrary enforcement, a fact that brings more uncertainty and fear to the people of Hong Kong," said Group Asia. Pacific Regional Director Irwin van der Borgut said.

At the morning launch ceremony, Lee and his predecessor Carrie Lam attended, but Xi did not. Police officers with the flags of China and Hong Kong marched to Golden Bauhinia Square in the Chinese "goose stepping" style. Replaces the English march. Guests drew attention while the Chinese national anthem was being performed.

Beijing Associated Press author Ken Moritsugu and Hong Kong news assistant Karmen Li contributed to this report.