Beijing’s top diplomat in Hong Kong tells foreign envoys to respect China’s sovereignty
The head of the foreign ministry office briefs consulate officials on the ‘spirit’ of the 19th Communist Party congress
Foreign countries must respect China’s sovereignty and understand Beijing’s strategy on Hong Kong in a “comprehensive and accurate manner”, the head of foreign ministry office in Hong Kong told diplomats on Monday.
Xie Feng briefed officials from 56 consulates in the city – more than 90 per cent of the total – after this month’s 19th Communist Party congress, where President Xi Jinping presented his blueprint for the path China would take over the next five years. The envoys were reportedly given direction on the “spirit” of the congress, which concluded last week.
Xie also said the “one country, two systems” policy was one of the basic strategies for China to develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.
“It was hoped the consulates in Hong Kong could understand the Chinese government’s new strategy toward Hong Kong in a comprehensive and accurate manner,” said a Chinese language press release posted on the foreign ministry commissioner’s office website on Monday.
“The hope is that the consulates observe international law, Chinese and Hong Kong laws, and respect China’s sovereignty, security and development interests.”
During his report at the congress, Xi set the path for governing Hong Kong by proposing a melding of Beijing’s “comprehensive jurisdiction” as well as the city’s high degree of autonomy in “an organic manner”.
