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President Xi Jinping praises Hong Kong leader for ‘curbing independence’
State leaders set smooth transfer of power as priority for chief executive on final duty visit to Beijing
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President Xi Jinping on Friday hailed outgoing Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying’s efforts in “curbing Hong Kong independence and street violence”, while also effectively setting requirements and priorities for the city’s next leader.
State leaders who hosted Leung on his final duty visit to Beijing urged him to ensure a smooth transition to a new Hong Kong government, which they listed as a key task for the remaining six months of his term.
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“On important issues such as curbing Hong Kong independence and street violence, you have worked in strict accordance with the Basic Law, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee’s interpretation of it and the law of Hong Kong, and safeguarded the nation’s sovereignty, security and developmental interests,” Xi told Leung, reading from a pre-written script during a five-minute photo call.
In lauding Leung’s successes, Xi was referring to his handling of the Mong Kok riot in February and the issue of independence advocacy. Leung’s administration later had two pro-independence lawmakers disqualified over improper oath-taking after an interpretation of the city’s mini-constitution by the mainland’s top legislature.
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