The 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from British administration to Chinese rule falls on July 1, marking the halfway point in Beijing’s 50-year pledge of “a high degree of autonomy” for the city under a framework known as “one nation, two systems.”
Since its handover from British colony to Chinese territory, Hong Kong has undergone a seismic political and social transformation under Beijing’s supervision.
Twenty-five years after Hong Kong’s return to China, one of the city’s most powerful media moguls is imprisoned, leading Chinese companies are listed on the city’s stock exchange, and Mandarin is taught in schools.
The city will have 50 years of autonomy in most areas under the “one country, two systems” principle, with the exception of defense and foreign policy.
In mainland China, freedoms like the right to free speech and the right to assemble are unheard of in the former British colony. A legislature, a common law-based court, and Cantonese—a language distinct from Mandarin Chinese—are all present in Hong Kong.
However, reforms to the electoral system and a broad national security statute implemented midway through the five decades have resulted in fewer alternative voices in public discourse and a reduction in the space for dissent, as well as indications of the mainland’s expanding influence.
Xi Jinping, the leader of China, is making his first travel outside of mainland China since the pandemic started in 2020 to observe the rituals in the city. It’s also Xi’s first trip since a comprehensive national security law went into effect, which opponents claim was done so as to silence dissent and crush the city’s opposition movement.
John Lee, a tough police officer and former security head, was sworn in as Hong Kong’s new leader by Xi on Friday.
For Xi’s arrival, there will be a strong police presence, barricades, and a drone restriction.
There is no reason for such a good system to change, and it must be maintained for a long time.
Chinese President Xi Jinping
Furthermore, Xi highlighted that Beijing has “comprehensive jurisdiction” over Hong Kong and that Hong Kong should respect Chinese authority, even while Beijing permits places like Hong Kong and Macao to preserve their capitalist systems and some degree of independence.
He also warned that “safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests” is of the utmost importance and that there would be no tolerance for traitors or foreigners meddling in Hong Kong’s affairs.
Image credits: Getty Images
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