Xi assures HK over 'one country, two systems'

Hong Kong

IN HIS first visit to Hong Kong since becoming president, China's Xi Jinping emphasised Beijing's support for the semi-autonomous special administrative region, adding that his government looks to review events in Hong Kong over the last 20 years and draw lessons to ensure the stability and longevity of "one country, two systems".

Mr Xi made his remarks upon arrival at Hong Kong International Airport around midday Thursday, just hours after 26 pro-democracy activists were arrested for attempting to occupy a statue square in central Hong Kong ahead of the July 1st celebrations for the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China.

Flanked by dozens of Hong Kong officials, including current Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and his successor Carrie Lam, as well as his wife, Madam Peng Liyuan, Mr Xi started his short speech by expressing his delight at retu…