New milestone marked in HK

Special: 25th Anniversary of Hong Kong's Return to The Motherland

Xi says 'one country, two systems' key to ensuring long-term prosperity, stability of special administrative region

President Xi Jinping reaffirmed the significance of "one country, two systems" in ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the well-being of its residents as he embarked on a two-day trip to the SAR on Thursday.

Speaking upon his arrival by high-speed train at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, Xi said facts have proved the strong vitality of "one country, two systems".

"As long as we adhere to 'one country, two systems' in an unwavering manner, the future of Hong Kong will be even better," he said, adding that it is a good system that can guarantee a good future with persistent efforts.

The president is set to attend a grand ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the sixth administration of the Hong Kong SAR on Friday.

In the speech, Xi recalled his last trip to the city in 2017, when he presided over the city's 20th anniversary events.

"Over the past five years, Hong Kong has always been on my mind. My heart and the central government's heart are always with the Hong Kong compatriots," he said.

He noted that the SAR has withstood one arduous test after another and conquered a host of risks and challenges, saying that the city has been reborn and is taking on a vigorous vitality after weathering storms.

Xi was welcomed at the station with a red carpet, hundreds of flag-waving residents, a police band and lion dances. His wife, Peng Liyuan, was among the entourage from Beijing.

The president's itinerary on Thursday included a visit to the Hong Kong Science Park, where he inspected Hong Kong's development of innovation and technology.

Xi, accompanied by outgoing Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, inspected a research laboratory which is part of the InnoHK research clusters at Hong Kong Science Park and encouraged Hong Kong's scientific researchers and entrepreneurs to strive for excellence, according to a news release issued by the SAR government.

He then inspected the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, another part of the InnoHK research clusters, Hong Kong's flagship innovation and technology project.

Before concluding the inspection, Xi addressed over 30 representatives of Hong Kong's scientific researchers and young entrepreneurs and encouraged them to make greater contributions.

Peng visited the Xiqu Centre in West Kowloon Cultural District on Thursday, where she spoke with young actors, members of a performance troupe and volunteers, the SAR government said in a news release.

She also watched a rehearsal of excerpts of Cantonese opera and visited an exhibition at the center about Cantonese Opera legend Yau Sing-po.

Xi's remarks drew positive feedback from the Hong Kong public, with local lawmakers and residents echoing his confidence in "one country, two systems".

Lawmaker Joephy Chan Wing-yan said Xi's visit amid the COVID-19 outbreak reflects his great care for Hong Kong and firm support for "one country, two systems".

"It gave us a strong shot in the arm and proved that the motherland will always be the strong supporter of Hong Kong, no matter what difficulties the city faces," Chan said.

This year's celebration is quite meaningful, as the city has regained stability from chaos and successfully held three major elections under the revamped electoral system, Chan added.

The visit, which embodies staunch support for "patriots administering Hong Kong", will greatly boost Hong Kong people's confidence in the new electoral system, and guide the city's future development under the nation's blueprint, Chan said.

Holden Chow Ho-ding, another Hong Kong lawmaker, said Xi delivered a very inspiring speech upon his arrival on Thursday.

"It gives us a lot of motivation and a great boost because, in his short speech, he actually highlighted the fact that 'one country, two systems'is indeed the best arrangement for Hong Kong," he said.

"As long as we have an unwavering commitment to safeguard 'one country, two systems', we will achieve more in the years to come," he added.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee, a Hong Kong lawmaker and convener of the Executive Council of the new-term SAR government, said thanks to the efforts of the central government and changes made to the city's electoral system, Hong Kong now has a good foundation to start anew.

Referring to the great importance of Xi's visit, Ip said many people in the city are excited about it, as he had played an important role in the city's transition from chaos to order and peace.

Ip said Xi attaches great importance to the city's development of innovation, technology and culture, which will facilitate the city's integration into the nation's development.

Innes Tang, chairman of Politihk Social Strategic, a local nonprofit organization, was thrilled to see Xi visiting Hong Kong, saying that the visit offers a boost and encouragement to the SAR's residents.

In Tang's opinion, Xi's visit and the remarks he made upon his arrival served as a pat on the back for Hong Kong. "With the strong backing of the central government, we are brimming with confidence for Hong Kong's future," Tang said.

Chen Shuman, Li Bingcunand Willa Wuin Hong Kong contributed to this story.