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SCMP Reporters

This blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing.
President Xi Jinping on Friday officiated the swearing-in ceremony of the new administration led by John Lee Ka-chiu on day two of his visit to Hong Kong to mark the 25th anniversary of the city’s turn to Chinese rule. 
Having spent the night in Shenzhen, Xi crossed the border again by high-speed rail in the morning to deliver a keynote speech, giving a vigorous endorsement of “one country, two systems”, and saying it should not be altered.
On Thursday, in a brief arrival speech, the president described Hong Kong as having “risen from the ashes” after overcoming various severe challenges since his last visit in 2017, which proved that “one country, two systems is a good system”.
Xi also met outgoing leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and her predecessor Leung Chun-ying, during which he praised Lam for her contributions and effort to “stop violence and chaos, fight the pandemic with full force, integrate with the country’s development plan and safeguard national sovereignty, security, development interests and Hong Kong stability”.
Xi returned to the mainland in the afternoon, ending his two-day visit.
Our live blog below covered the latest updates on Xi’s second day in the city.
Reporting by Lilian Cheng, Jeffie Lam, Chris Lau, Natalie Wong, Tony Cheung, Gary Cheung, Nadia Lam, Harvey Kong, Chester Wong, Angel Woo, Charmaine Choi and Jess Ma



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Hong Kong at 25

As it happened: Xi Jinping says Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages must be upheld as he hails ‘one country, two systems’

Photo: Felix Wong

News

Hong Kong

Politics


President says one country, two systems must be executed comprehensively, with China having overall jurisdiction but city enjoying high degree of autonomy. He also stresses need for patriots in office and upholding of city's free economy and common law system
He also sets out expectations for John Lee administration, stressing efficiency, national identity, integration and solving livelihood issues



President says one country, two systems must be executed comprehensively, with China having overall jurisdiction but city enjoying high degree of autonomy. He also stresses need for patriots in office and upholding of city's free economy and common law system.


Hong Kong at 25: Politics

Xi Jinping

Carrie Lam

John Lee

Hong Kong handover anniversary

Live

Upon arriving in the city on Thursday afternoon, Xi met 160 representatives from political and business sectors and disciplinary forces, before spending an hour touring the Science Park in Tai Po. He also attended a dinner hosted by outgoing city leader Carrie Lam at her official residence, Government House, joined by incoming chief executive John Lee.


A wrap of day one

President Xi made a brief speech lasting just over three minutes on Thursday, noting that the last time he came to Hong Kong was five years ago, but he had been paying attention to events in the city and always thinking of it. 
“In the past few years, Hong Kong has gone through various severe tests one after another, and has overcome risks and challenges one after another,” he added. “After the wind and rain, Hong Kong has risen from the ashes, and showed strong vibrancy.
“These facts prove that ‘one country, two systems’ has strong vitality, which has ensured the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and safeguarded the well-being of compatriots in Hong Kong,” he declared. “One country, two systems is a good system.
“As long as we unswervingly uphold one country, two systems, Hong Kong’s future will surely be brighter. Hong Kong, for sure, will make new and greater contributions to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”   


Xi’s remarks on the first day

President Xi met individually with Carrie Lam at the convention centre, telling her the central government “fully recognised” her work in the past five years.
In his meeting with Lam’s predecessor Leung Chun-ying, Xi said Leung, as a vice-chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), had devoted himself to the modernisation of the country and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
Xinhua also reported that Xi had “specially commissioned relevant parties to convey his greetings” to Tung Chee-hwa, another vice-chairman of the CPPCC, who was absent at Thursday’s meeting.


Praise for Lam and Leung

Amid strong winds and a No 3 typhoon warning signal in force, Hong Kong’s incoming and outgoing leaders attend the flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.
Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, whose five-year term as chief executive expired on Thursday, is accompanied by her husband. Incoming chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu is with his wife. Senior officials from Hong Kong and mainland China, as well as former chief executives, are also in attendance.
The national and regional flags are raised by officers from the Hong Kong police flag party. For the second consecutive year, the officers adopt the Chinese military’s “goose-stepping” style, rather than the traditional British drills, as they march into the venue carrying the flags.
The ceremony ends with four helicopters flying over Victoria Harbour with the national and city flags, and a firefighting boat and police launch performing water salutes in the area. 
Photos: Reuters/ SCMP Nora Tam





Flag-raising at 8am

About 200 to 300 guests attend the ceremony, including former chief executives Leung Chun-ying and Donald Tsang Yam-kuen, the Chinese foreign ministry’s Hong Kong commissioner Liu Guangyuan, lawmakers, and members of the new term of the Executive Council who will be sworn in on Friday morning.
There is no public viewing area for the flag-raising ceremony.


Others at flag-raising ceremony

John Lee, who will be sworn in as chief executive this morning, launched a Facebook page, an Instagram account and a Weibo account today to “enhance contact and communication with the public”.
In a statement, the government says members of the public are welcome to visit the Facebook page, Instagram account and Weibo account.
In April, Beijing and the Hong Kong government lashed out at American tech giant Google and Washington for terminating the YouTube channel of then chief executive candidate Lee due to US sanctions laws, with the foreign ministry calling the move “completely wrong and unreasonable”.
Facebook had allowed Lee to continue using the social media platform, but restricted his user status, citing a need to comply with American sanctions enacted in 2020 over the national security law.    


John Lee’s new social media pages

John Lee’s first post on his official chief executive pages on Facebook, Instagram and Weibo has a photo of his wife Janet Lam Lai-sim, in a red jacket, helping fix his red tie before they depart for the flag-raising ceremony.
Lee writes: “I want to take this special day to thank Janet for supporting me and taking care of my family over the years. In the next five years, I will need your support even more so that I could be more dedicated to work hard for the happiness of every family in Hong Kong.”
The post attracted 97,000 “likes” on Weibo within an hour, 81 “likes” on Instagram and more than 300 “likes” on Facebook. Lee’s predecessor Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor does not have an official Weibo account.



Lee thanks wife for support in first post

A security blanket in the area is once again in full force, ahead of Xi’s arrival at the West Kowloon high-speed rail terminus. Police are seen conducting spot checks on passers-by on a footbridge in Wan Chai linking to the Convention and Exhibition Centre, while law enforcement vehicles and special teams patrol the area. 
On the Wan Chai footbridge, a young man in a black mask is stopped by officers for checks. 






Early morning preparations

Xi Jinping’s visit to Hong Kong, and the city’s handover anniversary, are given prominent coverage in the latest issue of People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s mouthpiece.
In Friday’s 20-page edition of the newspaper, pages 1, 2, 5-8 are almost completely dedicated to Hong Kong and Xi’s visit.
The front page carries three pictures of Xi arriving in Hong Kong, visiting the Science Park and meeting outgoing city leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor. 
The newspaper’s editorial on Friday is titled “Re-creating glory from a new starting point”. It praises the “extraordinary” 25 years since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, and says it fully proves that the implementation of “one country, two systems” is conducive to safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country and Hong Kong. 
In a reference to the 2019 social unrest, the editorial states that “the situation in Hong Kong was once serious”.
“The central government exercised overall control over the Special Administrative Region in accordance with the constitution and the Basic Law, formulated the Hong Kong national security law and improved the Hong Kong electoral system, and changed the situation in Hong Kong from chaos to governance,” it reads.
“To achieve stability and long-term progress, we must always adhere to the principle of patriots governing Hong Kong, which is a fundamental principle related to national sovereignty, security, development interests, and Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. 
“Only when patriots govern Hong Kong can we effectively implement the central government’s comprehensive jurisdiction, maintain the constitutional order of the constitution and the Basic Law, solve various deep-seated problems, and achieve long-term stability.”



Wide mainland coverage

State-owned tabloid Global Times has also published an editorial, saying that in the past 25 years, the pioneering “one country, two systems” principle has taken root and bore fruit in Hong Kong. 
But it warns that in the just-concluded G7 summit, Western leaders had once again “made a posturing call to respect Hong Kong’s rights and freedoms”.
“The United States and other Western politicians have not forgotten their old dream of colonising Hong Kong, and still delusionally think of Hong Kong as an anti-China bridgehead,” it reads.
“However, it is clear that the interference of the anti-China and Hong Kong forces has been cut off by the national security law … Interference and sabotage of the anti-China chaotic forces in Hong Kong is bound to be futile.”


Global Times editorial hits out at Western forces

Before the official ceremony in Wan Chai, Beijing’s liaison office in Sai Ying Pun also organised its own flag-raising event. 
It was attended by director Luo Huining, and dozens of senior officials from the office, including deputy directors Chen Dong and Tan Tieniu.



Liaison office holds flag-raising ceremony 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says the United Kingdom is “not giving up on Hong Kong” and has accused Beijing of failing to keep its promises. 
London has become increasingly critical of Beijing’s rule over Hong Kong after it imposed a national security law in 2020 following protests in the city the previous year. 
“We simply cannot avoid the fact that for some time now, Beijing has been failing to comply with its obligations,” Johnson says.
In the United States, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the country’s top diplomat, says there has been an “erosion of autonomy” in the city.
“We stand in solidarity with people in Hong Kong and reinforce their calls for their promised freedoms to be reinstated,” he says. 
Australia has echoed the US, saying it is “deeply concerned by the continuing erosion of Hong Kong’s rights, freedoms and autonomy”.


Britain, US and Australia voice concerns

Hundreds of guests have all been seated in the grand hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, waiting for Xi Jinping and John Lee to enter.
The host says the ceremony will begin soon, and asks the guests to get ready and follow anti-pandemic rules.
The ceremony is expected to start with Xi entering the hall, followed by the singing of the national anthem and oaths of office. Then Xi is expected to give a keynote speech.   


Ceremony to begin soon

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan have returned to Hong Kong by a special high-speed train after spending the night in Shenzhen.
At around 9.55am, they get inside a vehicle at the terminus in West Kowloon and their motorcade heads to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to attend the anniversary celebrations and oversee the swearing-in of Lee’s cabinet.   


Xi returns to Hong Kong

Police officers are on guard at the Legislative Council complex in Admiralty, although no opposition groups have planned any protests. During  anti-government protests three years ago, hardcore demonstrators stormed and vandalised the Legco building on July 1.   


Police guard Legco complex

The Hong Kong Observatory says the No 3 typhoon warning signal will remain in force until 5pm, before it decides whether it will have to be upgraded to No 8, the next level that often brings the city to a standstill. 
Xi is expected to leave at around noon.   


No 3 typhoon signal likely to remain in force until at least 5pm

At 10.10am, guests give a big round of applause as Xi enters the hall with his wife Peng Liyuan, and incoming leader John Lee and his wife.
Peng is wearing a purple cheongsam.
All incoming officials and Executive Council members, as well as outgoing ministers, sit at the front of the hall, while hundreds of other guests are in an area further back, which is separated by a partition in the middle. 
Incoming chief secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki and constitutional and mainland affairs minister Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, who both tested positive for coronavirus earlier but have since recovered, are also present.
Former chief executives Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and Leung Chun-ying also attend the ceremony. The city’s first postcolonial leader, Tung Chee-hwa, is absent.



Xi enters the hall to applause

After the commencement of the inauguration ceremony, all guests are asked to rise for the national anthem, March of the Volunteers.


National anthem sung

John Lee is sworn in as Hong Kong’s fifth chief executive by Xi Jinping.
Speaking in Mandarin, he says: “I, Lee Ka-chiu, swear that, in the office of chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, I will uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and serve the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region conscientiously, dutifully, in full accordance with the law, honestly and with integrity, and be held accountable to the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.” 
Lee then bows to Xi, and they take a photo together, with a round of applause from the audience.



Lee sworn in as Hong Kong’s new leader 

Xi also swears in principal officials, including the three top secretaries, their deputies, and 15 bureau ministers. The male ministers stand at the front, while the female ones are behind.
The oath was led by the city’s new No 2, Eric Chan Kwok-ki, also speaking in Mandarin.
Lee then introduces them one by one, as each of the officials bow to Xi and then the guests before returning to their seats.



Principal officials take oath 

Lee then oversees the swearing-in of Executive Council members. The city leader’s de facto cabinet comprises 21 principal officials and 16 non-official members, to be led by Eric Chan, the new chief secretary.
Veteran politician Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, a former security chief, has been picked as the new convenor of Exco, Lee’s de facto cabinet. Seven of the non-official members are new in the cabinet.
Everyone keeps their masks on during their swearing-in, including Lee and Xi.   


Top advisers sworn in

Speaking in Mandarin, Lee says he is taking up the new position with a humble attitude, while thanking people for their trust and promising to lead Hong Kong into becoming an inclusive city “with plenty of opportunities and vitality”. 
“With a humble attitude, I became the chief executive. I thank people for their trust and will lead my team with utmost effort to build an inclusive Hong Kong with a lot of opportunities and vitality,” he says.   “‘One country, two systems’ has been the best safeguard for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.”  
Lee says that in the past 25 years Hong Kong has been ranked as the freest and one of the most competitive economies in the world. 
He says Hong Kong in the past 25 years has experienced different challenges, including the global financial crisis, the Occupy Central movement in 2014, the Mong Kok riots in 2016, the social unrest in 2019 and the pandemic.
“Fortunately with support from the central government and with Hong Kong people’s resilience, the city has overcome these challenges one after another, retaining the vitality and superiority of ‘‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong,” Lee says.


Lee gives speech

Acknowledging the rule of law as a Hong Kong value, Lee also says the national security legislation and improvements to the electoral system have brought the city from chaos to prosperity.
The next five years is a vital period for Hong Kong to move towards greater prosperity and better governance, he adds.
Lee says his administration will adopt a reformist as well as a result-oriented mindset to solve deep-seated problems efficiently. “With perseverance, we will succeed.”
He points out that his administration will further deepen integration with the mainland in various aspects, and strengthen Hong Kong’s role as an innovation hub. 


‘From chaos to prosperity’

Lee says the new Palace Museum will showcase Chinese treasures, history and culture, allowing people to learn more about and to promote Chinese culture. The M+ visual arts museum and other facilities at the West Kowloon Cultural District have also formed an amalgamation of performing arts and culture.
“Hong Kong will be built as a capital of arts and culture both at home and abroad, enhancing Hong Kong’s international status,” he says.
The government will also send delegations overseas to tell Hong Kong’s story, he adds.


‘A capital of arts and culture’

Xi notes that the city is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule today. 
“First I sincerely send my regards to all the people of Hong Kong,” the president says, congratulating Lee and his principal officials as well as the Exco members, while thanking those who support “one country, two systems”, and compatriots who back Hong Kong from overseas.


Xi: congratulations to all

Xi says the “one country, two systems” principle is supported by 1.4 billion Chinese people, endorsed by Hong Kong and Macau compatriots, and has been proven to be aligned with national interest, widely supported at home and overseas.
“There is no reason to change such a good system, and it must be maintained for a long time,” he says, pausing after a round of applause. 
He says accurately implementing one country, two systems will create limitless development opportunities for both Hong Kong and Macau.


Xi defends ‘one country, two systems’

Xi also highlights that Beijing enjoys full jurisdiction over Hong Kong, and the importance of “patriots” administering the city.
“The regime must be in the hands of patriots… [there is] not a country or a region in the world where its citizens would allow those who are not patriotic, or are even traitors to get hold of political power,” he says, adding this principle is “unshakable”. 
He regards it as a principle that must be upheld to ensure the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. 
Five years ago, Xi’s speech recounted Hong Kong’s “humiliating” colonial history and focused on four things that the city must insist on under the “one country, two systems” principle. They were to understand the relationship between one country and two systems, to work in strict accordance with the Chinese constitution and the Basic Law, to focus on development as the top priority, and to safeguard social harmony and stability. 
Xi had also warned: “Any attempt to endanger China’s sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government … or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities against the mainland is an act that crosses the red line, and is absolutely impermissible.“ 


President highlights Beijing’s full jurisdiction over Hong Kong

Xi Jinping talks about four key points regarding Hong Kong: 
  	
“One country, two systems” must be implemented in an accurate and comprehensive manner;
Ensuring the integration of Beijing’s comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the city;
Only patriots can administer Hong Kong; and
Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages must be upheld.



Four key points

Xi says that while Hong Kong and Macau operate on a capitalist model, mainland China adopts a socialist one, the characteristics of which are led by the Chinese Communist Party.
Hong Kong people should respect that, he says.    


Communist Party rule must be respected

The president lays down four expectations for Lee’s administration, saying the next five years will be critical for Hong Kong to achieve breakthroughs.
  	
Improve governance efficiency and enhance a sense of national identity
Better integrate with the national strategic development plan, including the Greater Bay Area project, Belt and Road initiative and Beijing’s 14th five-year plan for the nation, while fostering closer connection with the international community with Beijing’s backing
Proactively solve social and livelihood problems with effective measures
Maintain harmony and stability 



Xi’s expectations of John Lee

Setting down the dynamics among the three branches of government, Xi says the executive and legislature have to exercise checks and balances while working alongside each other, while the judiciary exercises its power to adjudicate independently. 


Relationship between government branches 

Xi says Hong Kong must lead young people, boost their sense of national identity and belonging, and help them to solve various problems.
“Youngsters have a future, Hong Kong has a future,” he says.


‘Youngsters have a future, Hong Kong has a future’

Xi underscores the importance of solving the city’s deep-seated problems. 
“The public has good expectations to have better livelihoods, that they can live in a wider and bigger home, with more job opportunities, better education for the children, and can be better taken care of when they are old,” he says. 
“The new government should not disappoint them, and should place these expectations as top priorities. 
“We must be pragmatic and promising, live up to the people, take the expectations of the whole society, especially ordinary citizens, as the greatest pursuit of governance, and take bolder and more effective measures to overcome difficulties.
“The government has to make them believe that as long as they work hard, their lives can be improved.”


Xi: New government has to live up to the people 

Xi also asks people to adopt “mainstream values” which are in line with national development, including patriotism. 
He says after “the wind and rain”, Hong Kong people now understand that ”the city cannot afford to descend into chaos”, and there is a deeper feeling that the city’s development should not be further delayed. 
“No matter what career or philosophy a resident pursues, as long as they sincerely support the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, love Hong Kong as their homeland, abide by the Basic Law and the city’s law, they are all positive forces in the development of Hong Kong, and they can all contribute,” he adds.
“People should continue to carry forward the fine tradition of tolerance and mutual assistance, seek common ground while preserving differences … to create a better life together,” he says.


‘Hong Kong can’t afford more chaos’

Xi Jinping says the fundamental principle of “one country, two systems” is to safeguard national sovereignty, national security and development interests, and maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.
“Whatever the central government does, it’s for the good of the nation, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as their compatriots,” the president says. 
“I have previously said that we need to ensure that the implementation of one country, two systems must not be swayed.” 


‘For the good of the nation, Hong Kong and Macau’

Xi says he believes that Hong Kong will make greater achievements in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. 
“We are convinced that on the new journey of realising our country’s second centenary goal, Hong Kong, with the strong support of the great motherland and the 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,” he says. 
The ceremony ends after Xi finishes his 22-minute speech. The president leaves the hall alongside Lee, without putting on his mask.
He is expected to inspect the PLA’s Hong Kong garrison afterwards.



Xi’s concluding remarks

Xi began his 22-minute speech on how Hong Kong was ceded to a foreign power because of the Opium War, while the Chinese Communist Party united and led people in a century of struggle, with records of some unique contributions made by Hong Kong compatriots.
“Hong Kong compatriots have always stood by the motherland through thick and thin, while a new era had begun for Hong Kong after its return to the motherland,” he said.
Over the past 25 years, with the support of the central government, the implementation of “one country, two systems” had made achievements that were widely recognised worldwide, Xi said. 
The president also praised Hong Kong “for daring to be the first” and a “trend-setter” in the grand torrent of reform and opening up of the motherland after the handover. 
“[Hong Kong] played the role of a window connecting the mainland and the rest of the world, and contributing to the development of the motherland,” Xi added.


Recounting Xi’s speech: Hong Kong ‘dared to be first’

After leaving the convention centre, President Xi heads to the nearby People’s Liberation Army barracks in Central.
Xi, who also chairs the all-powerful Central Military Commission, was escorted by vice-chairman General Xu Qiliang, the PLA’s second-highest ranking officer, when he arrived in Hong Kong at West Kowloon station by train on Thursday afternoon.
The president also visited the garrison in Shek Kong five years ago when he came to Hong Kong and inspected 20 squads at the biggest military parade since the city’s handover in 1997.
Meanwhile, at West Kowloon station, students and personnel are doing their final rehearsals to give Xi a send-off.   


Xi arrives at the PLA barracks in Central

The Observatory says tropical storm Chaba will be about 410km south of Hong Kong at noon, and estimates it will remain more than 300km from Hong Kong tonight.
Choy Chun-wing, senior scientific officer at the Observatory, says the No 3 typhoon warning signal will remain in force before 5pm. 
“Whether the No 8 signal will be hoisted later depends on Chaba’s development,” he adds.


More on Chaba

Xi says it is a must to maintain Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages, arguing the city’s long-term interest and the nation’s fundamental interests are aligned.
The country backs Hong Kong in maintaining its unique advantage in finance, shipping and trading, Xi says.
He highlights the need to preserve the common law system in Hong Kong, voicing belief the city will continue to make crucial contributions to the nation’s modernisation.   


Strengthening Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages

At around 12.40pm, Xi leaves the PLA garrison in Central after a 35-minute visit and is heading towards the West Kowloon high-speed railway station, ending his two-day visit to the city.
Newly installed Chief Executive John Lee will accompany Xi to the station and bid farewell to him.


Xi set to leave Hong Kong

About 1,300 guests joined the ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this morning, according to the government. 
Guests included Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Luo Huining, director of Beijing’s liaison office in the city, members of the Executive and Legislative councils, Hong Kong deputies to the National People’s Congress and members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
Political and economic figures, local dignitaries, senior executives of Hong Kong-based Chinese enterprises, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps, were also invited. They had to undergo quarantine, and were allowed to leave their hotels at noon. 



About 1,300 guests attend ceremony

President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan arrive at the railway station, and are ready to board a train to neighbouring Shenzhen. 
Former chief executives Leung Chun-ying, Carrie Lam, new leader John Lee Ka-chiu and principal officials of his administration are at the West Kowloon terminus to bid farewell to the couple.
“Welcome to come back, thank you president!” students and volunteers chant in the station. 
Mandarin songs My Motherland and Me and The Peal of the Orient are played to bid farewell to Xi, with those in attendance singing along.
“My motherland and me, like the sea and waves, the waves are the child of the sea, the sea is the support of the waves,” go the lyrics.
Xi claps his hands to the primary school students and waves to everyone before he reaches the platform.
In total, the couple spent around 10 hours in the city over the past two days but did not stay overnight. 


Goodbye and thank you, president!

Guests at the swearing-in ceremony included business leaders, mainland and local officials as well as former Hong Kong chief executives. Photos by Felix Wong.






Scenes from the inauguration

After the inauguration ceremony, Xi met new Chief Executive John Lee, and the heads of executive, legislative and judicial bodies, including Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, Chief Secretary Eric Chan, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen and Executive Council convener Regina Ip, as well as principal officials and all permanent secretaries of the new government.


A meeting after ceremony

As part of his expectations on boosting governing standards, the president said the new administration should enhance employees’ concept of the country and world vision. 
“Proactively come up with plans for the development of Hong Kong through a holistic and long-term approach,” Xi added. 
“The philosophy of administration should be transformed, and the relationship between the government and the market better balanced, so as to better promote both a well-functioning government and an efficient market.”


More on Xi’s speech: national and world view for incoming government

Comparing the president’s address on Friday with his speech in the city five years ago, Lau Siu-kai, vice-president of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, says Xi this time placed more emphasis on the importance of Hong Kong in grasping opportunities amid the transitional period of the next five years.
“This is why [Xi] laid down more urgent and explicit expectations on the new administration,” Lau says. “He expects the administration to improve governance quality and style … and dare to overcome obstacles from vested interests so that Hong Kong can accelerate its integration into the development of the country.”


‘Urgent and explicit’ expectations on Lee

Flag-raising ceremonies were also earlier observed elsewhere in the city, with students from the Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers Wong Cho Bau School conducting their own event.
Students from the school and its secondary branch also performed the Chinese style “goose-step” march during their event.
The school’s students were also among those who greeted Xi as he arrived at the high-speed rail terminus on Thursday.
Chan Siu Suk-fan, deputy secretary for education spoke at the school event, stating that national education was one of the most important subjects taught in schools.
“We need to promote students’ recognition of national identity, and to do this from when they are of a young age,” Chan said.
The official detailed work set out by authorities in promoting national education across kindergartens, as well as primary and secondary schools.



Flags raised elsewhere

Despite the No 3 typhoon warning signal in force and gloomy weather, some residents are out to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese sovereignty. Photos by Nora Tam and Chester Wong. 






Scenes from the ground

China watcher Johnny Lau Yui-siu says Xi’s speech did not touch on security but instead focused on economic development of the city.
“He may want to stress, under the international limelight, that the economy will continue to improve, to lure more investments from overseas,” he says.
He also says Xi has appealed to people to be more proactively patriotic, which can be seen as an extension of what has been demanded of those ruling Hong Kong. 
For the first time, Lau notes, Xi urged Hongkongers to respect the Communist Party’s rule as a foundation of the nation’s socialist system.
“They may have been wondering all along why it has been so hard to rule Hong Kong and they may be thinking that it could be due to Hong Kong people’s lack of understanding of the country,” Lau says.
He notes that Xi spoke at length on youth development this time. While the president stopped short of mentioning the anti-government protests in 2019, he clearly sees it as a problem stemming from a lack of national education among the younger generation, Lau adds.   


Focus on economy

After seeing off the president at the West Kowloon terminus, Hong Kong’s new chief executive tells the media he feels Xi has shown high regard and full support for Hong Kong with his visit.
Lee notes that Xi has spoken highly of Hong Kong’s achievements under “one country, two systems” in the past 25 years and also of the city’s contributions to national development. “We feel deeply encouraged,” he says.
Lee also notes that the president has made a “very clear and solid” declaration that one country, two systems is a good system and should not be altered. “His words boost our confidence in the successful implementation of one country, two systems and the future of Hong Kong.”
Reiterating Xi’s four expectations for the administration, which Lee describes as “a confidence boost and a great motivating force”, the chief executive vows to do his best to lead Hong Kong. 
“We won’t let President Xi down. We won’t let the people down.”   


John Lee’s takeaways from Xi visit

Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen says he feels encouraged by Xi’s reassurance on the long-term adherence to “one country, two systems” as the foundation of Hong Kong’s development. He says efficiency has been “largely improved” in the 90-strong legislature formed under the electoral overhaul. 
“Over the past six months, all new lawmakers … hope to fulfil their constitutional role as ‘spokespersons for the public’ and achieve what President Xi had said to be ‘pragmatic and live up to the people’s expectations’,” he says, adding that his colleagues will continue to work with the executive branch to build a harmonious Hong Kong with vast opportunities and vitality.


Legco president ‘encouraged’

The city’s largest pro-Beijing party, the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), says it regards Xi’s remarks as forward-looking guidance and reassurance of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.
Citing Xi’s point about the long-term continuity of “one country, two systems”, the DAB says in a statement: “This effectively dispels various kinds of misunderstandings about the future of Hong Kong, and consolidates confidence from all sectors in society to create a brighter future together.” 


DAB: Xi’s reassurance dispels misunderstandings

State-owned Xinhua news agency has released more details on Xi’s meeting with John Lee Ka-chiu and his cabinet after the inauguration ceremony. Xi reportedly told the new Hong Kong leader that the general public was full of expectations for him and his government as the city had reached a “new historical starting point”.
“[They] hope you can faithfully fulfil your constitutional responsibility as the chief executive, lead the government to accurately implement ‘one country, two systems’ and the Basic Law,” Xi was quoted as saying.
Xi also told Lee to “unite people from all walks of life to proceed pragmatically, take Hong Kong out of chaos and walk towards stability and prosperity, and continue with the new chapter of one country, two systems”.
According to Xinhua, Xi also met senior members of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of Hong Kong’s government. 
Photo: Handout



Xinhua: Xi meets Lee after inauguration

We are now closing our live coverage. Please look out for our stories and wrap, on the president’s visit, this afternoon. 


Live | As it happened: Xi Jinping says Hong Kong’s unique status and advantages must be upheld as he hails ‘one country, two systems’