Xi attends HKSAR anniversary meeting, inaugural ceremony of sixth-term gov't

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attends a meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and delivers an important speech, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping attended a meeting held here Friday morning to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

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Xi leaves Hong Kong after attending HKSAR anniversary celebrations

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping left Hong Kong by train Friday after attending celebrations for the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

At the West Kowloon high-speed rail station, people from all walks of life and children, waving flags and flowers and singing songs, bid farewell to the president. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan waved back to the crowd.

Arriving here Thursday afternoon, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended celebrations, met with representatives of various sectors and inspected Hong Kong.

Xi attended Friday morning a meeting marking the anniversary and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, poses for a photo with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee, who was just sworn in, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China's Hong Kong, July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

In his speech at the meeting, Xi extended cordial greetings to all Hong Kong residents and warm congratulations to John Lee, the newly inaugurated sixth-term chief executive of the HKSAR, principal officials of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR, and members of the Executive Council.

Hong Kong's return to the motherland opened a new epoch in the history of Hong Kong, Xi said, noting that the practice of "one country, two systems" has achieved success in Hong Kong recognized by all.

He stressed the need to fully and faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" policy, ensure both overall jurisdiction by the central authorities and a high degree of autonomy in the special administrative region, implement the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong," and maintain Hong Kong's unique status and strengths.

Calling the next five years crucial for Hong Kong to break new ground and launch a new take-off, Xi expressed hopes for efforts in Hong Kong to improve governance, strengthen the momentum of development, address difficulties in people's lives, and uphold harmony and stability.

During his trip here, Xi met with Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Leung Chun-ying, the fifth-term Chief Executive of the HKSAR Carrie Lam, and John Lee, respectively.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspects the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, south China, July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

Xi met with senior figures of the HKSAR's executive, legislative and judicial bodies, local dignitaries, and representatives of the HKSAR disciplined services, and visited central government officials based in Hong Kong and senior executives of Hong Kong branches of mainland enterprises and institutions. He also inspected the Chinese People's Liberation Army Garrison in the HKSAR.

In a tour of the Hong Kong Science Park, Xi had warm exchanges with researchers and youth representatives of innovation enterprises.

Xi also met with Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, who was here for the celebrations.

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Xi stresses creating more opportunities for Hong Kong young people to grow and shine

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed more efforts in helping young people in Hong Kong overcome difficulties and creating more opportunities for them to grow and shine.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Xi urges efforts to help Hong Kong young people gain a keen appreciation of the underlying trend in both the country and the world, and heighten their sense of national pride.

He also stressed the need to help Hong Kong young people overcome difficulties in education, employment, business start-up, and home-buying, and create more opportunities for them.

"When the young people thrive, Hong Kong thrives. When the young people grow, Hong Kong grows. When there is a future for the young people, there is a future for Hong Kong," Xi said.

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Hong Kong will achieve even greater accomplishments: Xi

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed the belief that with the strong support of the motherland and the solid implementation of "one country, two systems," Hong Kong will achieve even greater accomplishments.

At the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Xi said ensuring the continued success of the practice of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong is an integral part of the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

"We are convinced that on the new journey of realizing our country's second centenary goal, Hong Kong, with the strong support of the great motherland and the solid implementation of the policy of 'one country, two systems,' will surely achieve even greater accomplishments and share, together with fellow compatriots of the motherland, the glory of great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," Xi said.

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Xi hopes Hong Kong people will jointly uphold harmony, stability

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday expressed the hope that all Hong Kong people jointly uphold harmony and stability in pursuit of a better life.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Having gone through ups and downs, people have learned the hard way that Hong Kong must not be destabilized and cannot afford any chaos. There is extensive consensus that no time should be lost in Hong Kong's development and that all interference should be removed so that Hong Kong can stay focused on development, Xi said.

The president urged Hong Kong compatriots to vigorously promote the mainstream values that are centered on love of the motherland and love of Hong Kong and consistent with "one country, two systems."

The Hong Kong compatriots should carry forward the fine tradition of inclusiveness, solidarity, common ground without uniformity, perseverance and a can-do spirit, and work together to create a better life, Xi said.

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Xi expects HKSAR gov't to take more effective steps to address difficulties in people's lives

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping Friday said he expects the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to take more effective steps to address difficulties in people's lives.

The government should live up to people's expectations and give top priority to meeting the aspirations of the whole community, especially ordinary people, Xi said at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR.

Xi called for greater resolve and more effective steps to address existing problems so that more fruits of development will reach all people in Hong Kong in a more equitable way.

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Hong Kong should keep strengthening momentum of development: Xi

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping said on Friday he hopes Hong Kong will keep strengthening the momentum of development.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The central government fully supports Hong Kong in aligning with national development strategies, developing more extensive and closer exchanges and cooperation with the world, advancing reforms in an active and prudent manner and fully unleashing the enormous creativity and development vitality of Hong Kong society, he said.

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Xi stresses importance of improving governance of HKSAR

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, administers oath of office to principal officials of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China's Hong Kong, July 1, 2022. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Enhancing the system and capacity for governance and boosting its efficacy is of pressing importance for the development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), President Xi Jinping said here on Friday.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR.

The HKSAR chief executive and the HKSAR government should all faithfully fulfill the oath of office and take solid steps to implement the "one country, two systems" policy, uphold the authority of the Basic Law, and dedicate themselves to the HKSAR, Xi said.

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Next five years crucial for Hong Kong to break new ground: Xi

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The next five years will be crucial for Hong Kong to break new ground and launch a new take-off, President Xi Jinping said here on Friday.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Hong Kong is in a new stage of transitioning from chaos to order and to greater prosperity, Xi said.

Hong Kong faces both opportunities and challenges, but there are more opportunities than challenges, Xi said.

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Central gov't fully supports HK in maintaining its unique status: Xi

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday said the central government fully supports Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status on a long-term basis.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"Hong Kong's fundamental interests are consistent with the fundamental interests of the country, and the heart of the central government and the heart of our Hong Kong compatriots always beat together," Xi said.

The central government fully supports Hong Kong in consolidating its role as an international financial, shipping and trade center, in maintaining its free, open and sound business environment, in retaining its common law system, and in expanding smooth and convenient linkages with the rest of the world, Xi said.

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Xi stresses implementation of "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping emphasized on Friday the implementation of the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong."

To keep the power to administer the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region firmly in the hands of patriots is essential for safeguarding the long-term stability and security of Hong Kong, Xi said at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"At no time should this principle be allowed to be compromised," Xi said.

Protecting the power to administer is protecting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability as well as the interests of the over 7 million Hong Kong residents, Xi added.

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Xi stresses importance of ensuring central authorities' overall jurisdiction, high degree of autonomy in SAR

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- It is imperative to ensure both overall jurisdiction by the central authorities and a high degree of autonomy in the special administrative region (SAR), Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Friday.

The central authorities exercise overall jurisdiction over the SAR, which constitutes the source of a high degree of autonomy in the SAR; at the same time, the central authorities fully respect and firmly safeguard the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the SAR as enshrined in law, Xi said at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong SAR.

"Enforcing the central authorities' overall jurisdiction and upholding the SAR's high degree of autonomy are integral aspects of the same policy, and only by ensuring both can we run the SAR truly well," Xi said.

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Xi stresses full, faithful implementation of "one country, two systems"

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed the need to fully and faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" policy.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Upholding national sovereignty, security and development interests is the paramount principle in the policy. On the basis of this prerequisite, Hong Kong and Macao maintain their capitalist system over the long run and enjoy a high degree of autonomy, he noted.

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"One country, two systems" must be adhered to over long run: Xi

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- "One country, two systems" has been tested and proved time and again, and there is no reason to change such a good system and it must be adhered to over the long run, President Xi Jinping said here on Friday.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The policy of "one country, two systems" is a great initiative that has no precedent to follow, and its underlying goal is to uphold China's national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, said Xi.

"Everything the central government has done is for the benefit of our country, of Hong Kong and Macao, and of our fellow compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao," said Xi.

"One country, two systems," having been tested and proved time and again, meets the fundamental interests of the country and the Chinese nation and those of Hong Kong and Macao, said Xi.

It enjoys the full support of the more than 1.4 billion people of the motherland, it has the unanimous endorsement of Hong Kong and Macao residents, and it is widely recognized by the international community, he added.

"There is no reason to change such a good system, and it must be adhered to over the long run," Xi said.

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Hong Kong enjoys true democracy after return to motherland: Xi

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong has enjoyed true democracy since its return to the motherland, President Xi Jinping said here on Friday.

Xi made the remarks at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The democratic system of the HKSAR, which conforms to the "one country, two systems" policy and Hong Kong's constitutional status, is conducive to safeguarding the democratic rights of Hong Kong residents and maintaining prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, said Xi.

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Hong Kong overcomes challenges, makes steady progress since return to motherland: Xi

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong has overcome various difficulties and challenges and forged ahead with steady steps since its return to the motherland, President Xi Jinping said Friday.

Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong has enjoyed robust economic growth and maintained its status as a global financial, shipping and trade center, Xi said at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Hong Kong has fostered a rapidly-growing innovation and technology sector and built a world-class business environment, Xi said.

Moreover, Hong Kong's pre-existing laws have been preserved and developed, and its society has remained stable as a whole, Xi said.

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Xi hails Hong Kong's irreplaceable contribution to motherland's economic miracle

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has made an irreplaceable contribution to the miracle of long-term, steady and fast economic development of the motherland, President Xi Jinping said here Friday.

Hong Kong has become an integral part of the country's overall development and actively aligned with national development strategies, Xi said at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

It has continued to maintain the strengths of being highly free and open and compatible with international rules, Xi said.

Hong Kong has played an important role in advancing the new paradigm of China's opening-up on a larger scale, across more areas and in greater depth, Xi said.

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Practice of "one country, two systems" in HK a success recognized by all: Xi

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- The practice of "one country, two systems" has achieved success in Hong Kong recognized by all, President Xi Jinping said here on Friday.

Addressing the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Xi said Hong Kong's return opened a new epoch in its history.

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Xi extends cordial greetings to Hong Kong residents

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday extended cordial greetings to all Hong Kong residents at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended warm congratulations to John Lee, the newly inaugurated sixth-term chief executive of the HKSAR, principal officials of the sixth-term HKSAR government, and members of the Executive Council.

"I also express heartfelt appreciation to all fellow Chinese, both at home and overseas, and foreign friends for their support for the cause of 'one country, two systems' and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," Xi said.

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Xi delivering speech at HKSAR anniversary meeting, inaugural ceremony of sixth-term gov't

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping started to deliver an important speech at a meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

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Xi administers oath of office to principal officials of sixth-term HKSAR gov't

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping Friday morning administered oath of office to principal officials of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, administers oath of office to principal officials of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China's Hong Kong, July 1, 2022. Xi attended a meeting held here Friday morning to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

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Xi administers oath of office to HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping on Friday morning administered oath of office to the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, administers oath of office to the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China's Hong Kong, July 1, 2022. Xi attended a meeting held here Friday morning to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, administers oath of office to the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, south China's Hong Kong, July 1, 2022. Xi attended a meeting held here Friday morning to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the HKSAR and delivered an important speech. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

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HKSAR anniversary meeting, inaugural ceremony of sixth-term gov't begin

HONG KONG, July 1 (Xinhua) -- A meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) began here Friday morning.

The national anthem of the People's Republic of China was played and sung.