Flash visit to Hong Kong by Chinese President Xi Jinping , on the first trip out of mainland China after the self-isolation of almost 900 days linked to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, for the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the return of the territories under the sovereignty of Beijing.
His mission was kept in great secrecy and confirmed only hours before his arrival in the former British colony by the local police.
THE VISIT - At 3 pm yesterday (9 am in Italy), the official media began to report the special train of the president and first lady Peng Liyuan arrived at the West Kowloon high-speed station. "In the past period, Hong Kong has experienced more than one serious test and has passed more than one risk and challenge," Xi said upon arrival. "I came here five years ago, during these five springs and autumns I have always kept a great deal of attention on Hong Kong. My heart and that of the Communist Party Central Committee have always been with you. After the turmoil, Hong Kong was reborn from the ashes and emerged with robust vitality, "he added.
The national security law, imposed in June 2020 by Beijing in response to the protests in 2019, crushed dissent with dozens of activists in prison , in exile or on trial. Ma Xi claimed that "facts have shown that the 'one country two systems' model (which regulates relations between the city and Beijing, ed.) Has great vitality. It can guarantee Hong Kong long-term stability and prosperity and defend the welfare of the population ".
The last visit to the former colony as president dates back to the ceremony on 1 July 2017: on the occasion, Xi made it clear that "there would be no tolerance" for actions that could endanger the security and stability of Hong Kong and China. .
And today's visit is proof of the strength of the CCP , "the glue of the nation and push for its rejuvenation", all the more so in view of the congress that in the autumn will entrust Xi with an unprecedented third term as secretary general.
THE SPEECH - Maintaining the power to administer Hong Kong "firmly in the hands of patriots is essential to safeguard the long-term stability and security" of the city, Xi Jinping then marked in his speech for the 25th anniversary of the return of the territories "to motherland ", admonishing that" at no time should this principle be compromised ".
Protecting the power to administer means protecting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, as well as the interests of more than 7 million residents, Xi added, noting that "it is essential to ensure both comprehensive jurisdiction by central authorities and a high degree of autonomy".
INTERNATIONAL REACTIONS - In recent years there has been "an erosion of autonomy" in Hong Kong, the comment of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's passage from Great Britain to China. "July 1 is celebrated. the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China - recalled Blinken - This date was conceived as half of a 50-year journey towards autonomy within the framework of 'One country, two systems'. Yet now it is evident that the authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing no longer consider democratic participation, fundamental freedoms and the independence of the media as part of this vision ". "The US stands in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong and joins the call for the restoration of the promised freedoms", the conclusion.
(Unioneonline / vl)
