Analysis | China’s Communist Party puts ‘Hong Kong separatism’ on national security agenda
Statement in party magazine follows Premier Li Keqiang’s unprecedented warning that the Hong Kong independence movement would ‘lead nowhere’
The Communist Party has for the first time identified separatist activities in Hong Kong and Taiwan as focuses of its national security strategy, saying the forces are eroding the foundations of the party’s rule.
The movements were highlighted in an article in the latest edition of Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the party’s Central Committee.
“[The central government will continue to unswervingly implement the principle of ‘one country, two systems’ and curb ‘Hong Kong independence’ according to the law ... It will promote cross-strait relations but also resolutely carry out the struggle against ‘Taiwan independence’,” the article said.
It also highlighted the need to maintain international relationships, curb financial crises, cultivate soft power, ensure food safety and protect the environment – all with President Xi Jinping as the core leader.
“Political security is fundamental to the strategy, which underlies the security of the regime and its system. The most fundamental aspect is to maintain the leadership of the party, the socialist system and the authority of the Xi-centred leadership,” the article said.
The statement comes less than a month after Premier Li Keqiang opened the National People’s Congress in Beijing with an unprecedented warning that the Hong Kong independence movement would “lead nowhere”.
