China seeks ‘farreaching future’ for Hong Kong

HONGKONG: Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday China would work to ensure a “farreaching future” for Hong Kong’s autonomy.

Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, under a “one country, two systems” formula which guarantees freedoms and judicial independence unseen in mainland China.

“Hong Kong has always tugged at my heartstrings,” Xi said on arrival at Hong Kong airport for the handover anniversary at the start of a three-day visit.

“We are willing, together with different sectors of Hong Kong society, to look back on Hong Kong’s unusual course in the past 20 years, draw conclusions from the experience, look into the future and to ensure ‘one country, two systems’ is stable and has a far-reaching future.”

Xi’s message was consistent with those of other Chinese leaders visiting Hong Kong, that Beijing will safeguard the city’s development and prosperity.

In reality, however, fears of the creeping influence of Communist Party leaders in Beijing have been starkly exposed in recent years by the abduction by mainland agents of some Hong Kong booksellers who specialised in politically sensitive material as well as Beijing’s efforts in disqualifying two pro-independence lawmakers elected to the city legislature.