Xi draws 'red line' for handling mainland-HK relations

President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center on July 1, 2017. [Photo by Xu Jingxing / China Daily]

Hong Kong cannot afford to be torn apart by reckless moves or internal rift amid the intense global competition, Xi warned.

Hong Kong is a plural society with "different views and even major differences on some specific issues," he acknowledged.

However, "making everything political or deliberately creating differences and provoking confrontation will not resolve the problems," Xi said. "On the contrary, it can only severely hinder Hong Kong's economic and social development."

"Hong Kong is an affluent society, but it also faces enormous challenges posed by profound changes in the global economic environment and the increasingly intense international competition," he said.

"It is imperative to always maintain a harmonious and stable social environment," he said, noting that "harmony brings good fortune, while discord leads to misfortune."

The concept of "one country, two systems" gives expression to the vision of peace and harmony in the Chinese culture, and it embodies a very important tenet, namely, seeking broad common ground while setting aside major differences, Xi said.

"On the part of the central government, we are ready to talk to anyone who loves the country, loves Hong Kong and genuinely supports the principle of 'one country, two systems' and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, no matter what political views or position he or she may hold."

DEVELOPMENT TOP PRIORITY FOR HK

Xi urged Hong Kong to always focus on development as the top priority.

"Development, an abiding pursuit, is crucial for Hong Kong's survival, and it holds the golden key to resolving various issues in Hong Kong," he said.

The mainland's continuous and rapid development over the years provides an invaluable opportunity and an inexhaustible source of strengths and broad space for Hong Kong's development, Xi said.

The central government will continue to support Hong Kong in growing its economy and in leveraging its strengths and role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Renminbi internationalization and other strategies, Xi said.

"It is important to put people first, help them overcome difficulties, especially address prominent economic and livelihood issues that people are concerned with," he said.

The central government will continue to support the Chief Executive and the HKSAR government in exercising law-based governance, the president pledged.

"I am convinced that the practice of 'one country, two systems' in Hong Kong will write a new chapter," he said.

Xi made the remarks at a gathering celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.