No reason to change HK’s ‘one country, two systems’ model: Xi

As Hong Kong reaches the halfway mark of its autonomous status post-British rule, Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured its residents that the “one country, two systems” governance model will not change.

- Tan Dawn Wei

This policy, which allows the city to have its own government, judiciary and financial system, has stood the test of time and “there is no reason to change such a good system”, said the Chinese leader yesterday on his first trip out of the mainland in more than two years.

“It must be adhered to in the long run,” Mr Xi told about 1,300 top officials, senior business executives and diplomats at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of Britain’s handover of Hong Kong.

The city’s fifth Chief Executive John Lee was also sworn in, along with key officers from his administration.

While Mr Xi vowed that Beijing will continue to let Hong Kong govern under the “one country, two systems” principle, he also made it clear that China’s sovereignty and security are prerequisites for the city to maintain its capitalist system and autonomy.