National Day key takeaways: President Xi’s pledge on Hong Kong stability, early protests in the city quelled and MTR stations and malls close
- City’s leader Carrie Lam seen to be enjoying lighter moment for her away from Hong Kong in past few months
- Protesters’ command centre LIHKG seems to be down, at least on its mobile app
A relatively quiet morning has passed in Hong Kong on National Day, as Beijing pledged assurance to “one country, two systems” before starting a military parade in Tiananmen Square. Hong Kong government officials safely attended a flag-raising ceremony indoors, away from a crowd who were protesting outside and pepper sprayed. Here are six takeaways from the morning.
1. Xi Jinping pledges Hong Kong stability
Before launching the parade to show its military might, President Xi Jinping in his speech once again said the central government would strive to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macau, and would uphold the principle of “one country, two systems”. He did not mention the recent protests embroiling the city.
The city’s leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was seen standing on the rostrum on Tiananmen Square, watching the parade happily. This is a perhaps a lighter moment for her away from home in the past few months.
2. Hong Kong government calls on people to seek common ground
