Beijing emphasises its total control over Hong Kong in white paper
State Council’s white paper sets record straight on ‘one country, two systems’ and issues stern warning over interference by ‘outside forces’
The central government holds "comprehensive jurisdiction" over Hong Kong and is the source of its autonomy, Beijing said yesterday in an unprecedented white paper intended to set the tone for political debate.
It stressed that while the city could, in the future, choose its leader through universal suffrage, that person had to be loyal to the country.
China's national security and interests were at stake, it added.
While similar views have been made by mainland officials before, the timing and the way the document was released show Beijing is determined to put its foot down over Hong Kong's political development.
The white paper, issued by the State Council, said "many wrong views are currently rife in Hong Kong" and added: "Some people are confused or lopsided in their understanding of the policy [one country, two systems] and the Basic Law."
The paper, released in seven languages through Xinhua, came 10 days before Occupy Central activists calling for greater democracy hold an unofficial referendum on options for the 2017 election of the chief executive.