Chinese president may enshrine his views on ‘one country, two systems’ principle for Hong Kong in Communist Party’s charter
- Article on Hong Kong by top policy body suggests leadership will formalise updates to principle by putting Xi Jinping’s views into party’s constitution, analysts say
- President is expected to seek unprecedented third term at next month’s congress in capital
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s views on the “one country, two systems” principle governing ties between Hong Kong and the rest of the nation may be added to the Communist Party charter at next month’s congress, political pundits have said, interpreting a lengthy article on the city published by a top policy body.
The 5,000-word article, released by the Central Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs late on Friday, reviewed principles and legal changes Beijing has set out for the financial hub in recent years. These included the national security law and a requirement that only “patriots” be in charge, as well as Xi’s entreaties that the city bolster its competitiveness and the government improve people’s livelihood. It also mentioned the situation in Macau.
The Beijing-based body is a policy coordination group within the party’s Central Committee, comprising top party leaders who oversee the State Council-level Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.
But political analysts on Saturday suggested the timing of the article’s publication, rather than its content, was key to understanding Beijing’s intentions.
“The 20th national congress of the Chinese Communist Party is around the corner, and it is expected that Xi’s thoughts will be written into the party’s charter,” said Lau Siu-kai, vice-chairman of the semi-official Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies.
The charter lays down the organisational structure and guiding thought for the party. For example, in 2017, Xi’s “Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” was inserted into the charter.
