Britain returned Hong Kong to Chinese rule on July 1, 1997, under a one-country, two-system governance model, with Beijing promising broad autonomy, unfettered individual rights and judicial independence at the less until 2047.
Xi, who was in Hong Kong on Friday for the handover celebrations, said the One Country, Two Systems formula had succeeded under China’s “global jurisdiction” and there was no need to change it.
During his trip, Xi was also sworn in to the city’s new chief executive, John Lee.
In a letter to Lee on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policy Heng Swee Keat wished him success in “leading Hong Kong to greater heights” and said he looked forward to meeting Lee.
He wrote that Hong Kong has “long exemplified the spirit of enterprise and innovation” and is known for its “indomitable persistence in the face of difficulties”.
“We have seen over the past 25 years, time and time again, Hong Kong has successfully overcome the challenges ahead and emerged stronger and more resilient,” Heng said.
“I have no doubt that under your leadership as managing director and with the strong and continued support of the central government, Hong Kong will experience peace, stability and prosperity, with one country, two systems as its guiding framework.”
He added that Singapore looks forward to further developing its partnership with Hong Kong under the leadership of the chief executive, including through the GBA and the Belt and Road Initiative.