What does Xi Jinping have in store for Hong Kong at China’s 19th Communist Party congress?
Analysts say president will focus on economy and social consensus but may also drop hints on issues like sovereignty and national security
When the Communist Party’s congress kicks off on Wednesday, all eyes may be on the reshuffle of the inner sanctum of the central leadership, however for Hong Kong, all ears will be on a small but significant part of President Xi Jinping’s speech.
Similar to his predecessor Hu Jintao’s report five years ago, the city’s role and relevance can be expected to feature prominently in his address.
Xi is likely to spell out his expectations for Hong Kong on issues such as economic development and social consensus amid divisions, political watchers predict.
They will also look for signs that shed light on what Xi’s thinking is on sensitive issues such as sovereignty and national security, given how the sudden appearance of pro-independence posters on the city’s campuses has revived a long-standing political row.
Despite big-picture themes that will guide the address, a crucial personnel issue at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China could prove a distraction. National People’s Congress chairman Zhang Dejiang, the third-ranking leader in the Politburo and top official responsible for Hong Kong and Macau affairs, is expected to step down, and the guessing game has begun over who will replace him.
