BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed on Monday (Sep 30) to uphold the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong, after months of protests in the semi-autonomous city.
Speaking at a reception in Beijing the night before celebrations to mark the country's 70th anniversary, Xi said the country would "continue to fully and faithfully implement the principles of 'one country, two systems'" in Hong Kong and Macau, allowing them to govern with a "high degree of autonomy".
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READ: In divided Hong Kong, pro-China groups hold muted anniversary celebrations
Hong Kong has been plagued by months of unrest over what protesters say are eroding freedoms in the financial hub, which was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.
"We are confident that with the full backing of the motherland and the concerted efforts of our fellow Chinese in Hong Kong and Macau who love the motherland … (Hong Kong) will prosper and progress alongside the mainland," Xi said.
China's President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at a reception to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sep 30, 2019. (Photo: AFP / NOEL CELIS)
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China is preparing for a highly-choreographed anniversary celebration on Oct 1, including a huge military parade and anniversary gala.
Protesters in Hong Kong are hoping to upstage the event with another demonstration on Tuesday, following a weekend of intense clashes with police.
