China’s Communist Party backs Xi Jinping’s firm hand on Hong Kong and Taiwan
- Communique issued after four-day plenum endorses Xi’s policies on Hong Kong and Taiwan as part of his major political achievements
- Stronger control over Hong Kong and the reunification of Taiwan are goals that Xi does not wish to leave to future generations, observer notes
The move indicates Beijing continues to hold a firm red line on the two regions, as they will be recognised as important parts of Xi’s legacy.
In a communique issued at the close of a four-day plenary session, the party’s top leadership said: “With regard to upholding the policy of ‘one country, two systems’ and promoting national reunification, the Central Committee has adopted a series of measures to address both the symptoms and root problems of the relevant issues, and resolutely implemented the principle that Hong Kong and Macau must be governed by patriots.”
The measures refer to the series of tough policy changes after social unrest broke out in Hong Kong two years ago, including the implementation of the National Security Law and an overhaul of the city’s electoral systems.
“These moves have prompted a great shift from chaos to governance in Hong Kong, laid a solid foundation for the rule of law, steady development and the implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong and Macau,” the Central Committee communique said.
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On Taiwan, the communique reiterated Beijing’s long-held position of the “one-China” principle, which states that the island is a part of China and opposes any moves to sabotage national unification.