Xi says Hong Kong should better serve national development
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke at a reception in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 30 to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, setting out priorities on the economy, Hong Kong and Macau, Taiwan, and foreign policy. He said the country should unswervingly implement “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong”, “Macau people administering Macau”, and a high degree of autonomy, while supporting Hong Kong and Macau to better integrate into and serve the national development strategy. Xi also said China should strive to complete its annual targets, improve livelihoods, and secure a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan amid complex domestic and international conditions. The reception was chaired by Premier Li Qiang and attended by other senior state and party leaders, with about 800 Chinese and foreign guests present, according to one report.
Key Points
- The annual National Day reception was held on September 30 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing ahead of the PRC’s 77th anniversary on October 1.
- Xi said China had achieved the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society and was advancing toward the second centenary goal.
- On Hong Kong and Macau, he pledged continued implementation of “one country, two systems” and support for both cities’ long-term prosperity and stability.
- Xi said the country was pressing ahead with work linked to the 15th Five-Year Plan, while the economy showed resilience and vitality under pressure.
- He also called for deeper cross-strait exchanges, opposition to “Taiwan independence” and external interference, and an independent foreign policy of peace.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the speech reinforces Beijing’s expectation that the city’s role is not only to remain stable, but also to align more closely with national development priorities. The emphasis on integration and service to the national agenda points to continued policy focus on how Hong Kong contributes economically and strategically under “one country, two systems”.