Xi: A lofty mission to perform

President urges Hong Kong to improve its systems to uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests

President Xi Jinping on Saturday called on the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to unite people of all sectors to fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems".

"Today, the new SAR government is officially inaugurated. It shoulders major responsibilities and has a lofty mission to perform," the president said after the inauguration of the city's new leader, Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor.

He also urged the SAR to improve its systems to uphold national sovereignty, security and development interests.

"Any attempt to endanger national sovereignty and security, challenge the power of the central government and the authority of the basic law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 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," the president said.

Hong Kong also needs to enhance education and raise public awareness of the history and culture of the Chinese nation, Xi said.

"As Hong Kong has returned to China it is all the more important for us to firmly uphold China's sovereignty, security and development interests," he said.

The president noted that "one country, two systems" had proved to be a workable solution welcomed by the people. Xi added that the central government will unswervingly implement the policy of "one country, two systems" and make sure that it is fully applied in Hong Kong without being distorted.

It is imperative that people in Hong Kong always act in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, he said.

In his speech, Xi said economic development should be top priority as it was the key to resolving many problems.

"Teenagers want to grow up happily. Young people want to bring out the best of their talents. Mature people want to be successful, and seniors want to enjoy their golden years. Obviously, all this can only be achieved through development," he said.

China's continuous and rapid development over the years provides invaluable opportunities for Hong Kong's development, Xi said.

Stressing that Hong Kong is a diverse society with "different views and even major differences on some specific issues", Xi urged the HKSAR Government to unite the people in Hong Kong. He said that "it cannot afford to be torn apart by reckless moves or internal rifts".

The central government is always ready to talk to anyone who "loves the country, loves Hong Kong" and genuinely supports the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law no matter what political views they hold, Xi stressed.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was sworn in at the inaugural ceremony. She vowed to "firmly take action in accordance with the law against any acts that will undermine the country's sovereignty, security and development interests".

The Hong Kong SAR Government will take measures to provide more opportunities for young people to participate in public policy discussions and their implementation, Lam said.

"By doing so, we aim not only to enhance their understanding of and trust in the government, but also to nurture future talent and leaders in society and politics," she added.