Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a reception marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China last night and had this message:
“The central government will be unswerving in implementing the guidelines of ‘one country, two systems’ and the Basic Law and steadfastly safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao. We firmly believe that compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao will create an even better future in the big family of the motherland. -Xi Jinping”
The comments were made days after pro-democracy demonstrators, upset that their election options are limited to a select pool of candidates, spilled into streets in Hong Kong’s Central and Admiralty districts. The protest is now in its fourth day. China says it opposes any foreign interference in the election protests in Hong Kong.
Xi also said China will continue to give priority to development, adhere to reform and innovation and stay committed to the path of peaceful development.
He called for enhanced unity within the Communist Party of China (CPC), adding that the CPC should reinforce cooperation with other parties and maintain the bond with the people.
“We must stand firmly with the people,” Xi said. “We will always proceed from and aim at realizing, safeguarding and developing the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people.”
About 3,000 people from China and abroad attended the reception at the Great Hall of the People.
Report compiled with information from CCTV News, Xinhua News, and The Global Times.