President Xi Jinping, for the first time in over two years, took a trip outside of the Chinese mainland to preside over the swearing-in ceremony of the governing team of the sixth-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government last Friday, the same day the SAR celebrated the 25th anniversary of its establishment. Braving the threat of a looming sixth-wave outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong, Xi made an official trip to Hong Kong. 

His Friday speech leaves no doubt that Hong Kong is entering a new era after meeting tumultuous challenges in the past few years, with which he underscores the absolute importance of fully utilizing the next five years, under the leadership of Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, to work toward the well-being and safety of Hong Kong as well as national security.

President Xi’s Hong Kong trip on its 25th anniversary of reunification with the Chinese mainland is of marked significance, literally and metaphorically, which underscores the central government’s comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong. His chosen method of transportation, the high-speed rail, to travel between Beijing and Hong Kong (and to stay overnight in Shenzhen) is a personal demonstration of the interconnectedness of the whole country, highlighting the feasibility of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area project that aims to further integrate Hong Kong with neighboring regions as the central government aims to continue modernizing the nation.

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President Xi’s speech — beginning with the reiteration of maintaining the “one country, two systems” principle unchanged and placing emphasis on Hong Kong’s continued high degree of autonomy under China’s sovereignty — clarifies the central government’s priorities, along with what the Hong Kong SAR government should uphold. Forewarning the absolute impermissibility of endangering the nation’s sovereignty and security or challenging the authority of the central government, Xi implicitly recounted the 2019 protests, stating that Hong Kong cannot afford such chaos that once took hold of the city, nor will such chaos be allowed to occur again.

President Xi’s speech — beginning with the reiteration of maintaining the “one country, two systems” principle unchanged and placing emphasis on Hong Kong’s continued high degree of autonomy under China’s sovereignty — clarifies the central government’s priorities, along with what the Hong Kong SAR government should uphold

Perhaps more explicitly than ever, President Xi highlighted the need to maintain Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages, which should be done through accurate and comprehensive implementation of “one country, two systems” under patriotic leadership and administration. He vehemently underscored the need to align the interests of the city and that of the country alongside Beijing’s overall jurisdiction over Hong Kong, in order to improve the livelihoods of Hong Kong residents and sustain the overall stability and prosperity of the city.

Proceeding to lay down expectations for Chief Executive John Lee and the whole SAR government in four areas, President Xi highlighted the need to improve governance efficiency and uphold patriotic values throughout the implementation of the Basic Law and “one country, two systems”. 

Xi hopes that Hong Kong can strengthen its socioeconomic development with the full support of Beijing, and to better integrate the city’s development with the nation’s development strategies, including the national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Greater Bay Area development. 

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Xi also expects the John Lee administration to thoroughly and effectively resolve social issues faced by Hong Kong residents, which requires the new administration to fulfill the local population’s growing demands for better housing, job opportunities and improved education and care for the children and the elderly. 

Lastly, President Xi revisited his previous emphasis on the need to accurately and faithful implement “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law, and to promote the fundamental values of national identity and patriotism for the preservation of harmony and stability in Hong Kong.

Xi’s reassurance of the continuation of “one country, two systems” has hopefully placed doubts and uncertainties to rest. 

President Xi’s instructions on upholding both the common law system and the executive-led governance system ensure that Hong Kong can continue to reap the advantages of its unique status as a special administrative region of China as well as a global market, an international financial center serving as the bridge between the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world.

In his concluding remarks, President Xi noted the significant role Hong Kong has played in the rejuvenation and further development of the nation, in which he is optimistic that the city will continue to contribute to the betterment of the nation. 

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In the next five years under the leadership of John Lee, Hong Kong has its work cut out for it in opening a new chapter of development featuring stability and prosperity by effectively tackling the deep-seated socioeconomic issues plaguing the city.

Victoria Tse is a student at Barnard College. Dominic Lee Tsz-king is co-convener of China Retold, a Central Committee member of the New People’s Party, and a Legislative Council member.