People’s Daily defends Hong Kong white paper for the third time in a week

The Communist Party’s mouthpiece People’s Daily published the third editorial in a week that claimed Beijing’s policy on Hong Kong had not changed since issues were first raised in the 1980s.

A front-page editorial called it “completely groundless” to believe that the recently published white paper – which had stirred controversy and triggered protests in Hong Kong – went against the central government’s “one country, two systems” policy.

It also said it was groundless to worry that Beijing would “narrow down” Hong Kong’s autonomy.

The State Council issued the white paper on June 10, stressing the central government’s “comprehensive jurisdiction” over Hong Kong, adding that the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the city was subject to Beijing’s oversight.

The white paper said some people in Hong Kong were “confused and lopsided” in their understanding of the “one country, two systems” policy, sparking fears in the city that the freedoms it enjoys will be undermined.

”What was elabourated in the white paper about central government policies towards Hong Kong was all based on the constitution, the Basic Law and other historical documents,” the editorial said.

The paper had provoked anger among the Hong Kong public, prompting Beijing to issue several clarifications.