What Chinese President Xi Jinping told Hong Kong in 2017 and key messages he can be expected to deliver on 25th anniversary of handover
- His message in 2017 was tough but tempered, warning of red lines but also speaking of opportunities
- Analysts expect Xi will focus on sovereignty, national resilience and economic integration again
“‘One country’ is like the roots of a tree. For a tree to grow tall and luxuriant, its roots must run deep and strong.”
During the address before a 2,000-strong audience, Xi underscored the importance of abiding by the Chinese constitution and the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, and urged Hong Kong authorities to seize economic opportunities and safeguard social harmony.
Since then, Xi’s tree metaphor has been quoted often by Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing politicians and senior officials. Outgoing Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor cited it at least five times in the last five years.
Looking back at Xi’s Hong Kong visit, analysts noted that the president had struck a firm yet moderate tone in his speeches, warning residents not to cross the bottom line of undermining Chinese sovereignty, and calling for consensus over conflict to solve major problems.
