Xi Jinping makes historic visit to Hong Kong, first since 2020

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In his visit to Hong Kong as the first trip outside Mainland China since 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping reinstates his country’s commitment to the “one country two systems” principle that has been in force in Hong Kong for 25 years since its independence from British colonialism.

Read more: China to UK: Stop interfering in Hong Kong's affairs

In a ceremony that marks 25 years since Hong Kong became a sovereign part of China, Xi remarked that the model is “such a good system” that there is no need to change it, and that it must be maintained for a long time.

“Everything that China has done since July 1, 1997, when the city returned to its sovereignty, was for the good of Hong Kong," he said.

He added that the principle of "one country, two systems" is the fruit of an agreement between London and Beijing where China would reclaim Hong Kong after 50 years – in the year 2047.

In his speech, the Chinese president considered that "real democracy in Hong Kong began after its return to the bosom of China," noting that "after its reunification with the motherland, the people of Hong Kong became masters of their city, and real democracy in Hong Kong began at that time."

This is the first visit by a Chinese president outside mainland China since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and it is the first visit to Hong Kong since the city erupted in 2019 with large-scale protests.

During his visit, Jinping will preside over the swear-in ceremony of Hong Kong's new ruler, John Lee.

On the 19th of June, the Chinese State Council approved the composition of Hong Kong's new government proposed by Hong Kong Chief Executive-elect John Lee, the Hong Kong government announced.

Former police officer and security secretary John Lee Ka-Chiu had won the post of Hong Kong Chief Executive after an uncontested election saw him garnering 99.16% of the vote.

"The Central People's Government (CPG) today approved the appointments of principal officials of the sixth-term Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on the nomination of Chief Executive-elect John Lee," the government said in a press release. 

The cabinet consists of 26 members, and the posts of Chief Secretary would be assigned to Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Justice to Paul Lam.

Read more: Xi hails Hong Kong government over stability

Earlier this year, the European Parliament urged EU member states to impose sanctions on Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and seven other senior officials, accusing them of an "ongoing human rights crackdown" in the territory.

The appeal was approved in a non-binding resolution by a majority of 585 EU lawmakers in favor and 46 against.

Sanctions by the bloc must be agreed upon with unanimity by the EU's 27 member states. So far, there has not been a consensus on Hong Kong.