MNI BRIEF: Beijing Supports Hong Kong's Special Status, System

Beijing fully supports Hong Kong in maintaining its unique status as an international financial and trading center, strictly upholding One Country, Two Systems, said President Xi Jinping in a speech to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China on Friday.

The central government welcomes Hong Kong actively aligning with national strategies such as the 14th Five-Year Plan, the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, said Xi.

Xi noted that the next five years will be a critical period for Hong Kong to achieve a new leap forward, with opportunities outweighing challenges, asking the new Hong Kong government to foster a closer connection with the international community with Beijing's backing. Xi emphasized that One Country, Two Systems is a good system that has no reason to change and must be maintained for a long time, while upholding the comprehensive control of the central government.