Xi Jinping sends warning to advocates of Hong Kong independence but offers pan-democrats hope of better relations

Observers say Xi’s line tougher than predecessors despite moderate presentation while pan-democrats remained sceptical Beijing could accept regular dialogue with dissenters

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In the latter part of his speech, President Xi Jinping adopted a softer stance by calling on the public to solve problems through sensible communication instead of political confrontation. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:15pm, 1 Jul 2017Updated: 2:23am, 2 Jul 2017

President Xi Jinping adopted a speak-softly-but-carry-a-big-stick approach yesterday, offering a chance for dissenters to be engaged but also warning that those who threatened national sovereignty would not be tolerated – and those who heard him took note.

While he said the central government was ready to talk to anyone regardless of their political views, Xi spent a significant part of his 30-minute speech warning against challenges to sovereignty and urging the city to improve its system to uphold national security, sovereignty and development interests.

Observers said Xi’s line was tougher than that of two predecessors despite his moderate presentation, while pan-democrats remained sceptical that Beijing could accept regular dialogue with democratic dissenters.

Professor Lau Siu-kai, vice-chairman of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, a semi-official think tank, said Xi delivered a tougher message than in speeches by former presidents Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin.

Lau Siu-kai said Xi delivered a tougher message than in speeches by former presidents Hu Jintao and Jiang Zemin. Photo: Simon Song