Xi Jinping Interprets 'One Country, Two Systems' Differently from Predecessors

Hong Kong and Macau: 'Active Intervention'... Taiwan: Peaceful Unification

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Analysis suggests that Chinese President Xi Jinping is interpreting the "One Country, Two Systems" policy differently from his predecessors in his speech at the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party. He indicated active Chinese intervention in Hong Kong and Macau, while implying peaceful reunification rather than forced military unification regarding Taiwan.

Hong Kong political commentator Johnny Lau told Hong Kong Ming Pao on the 2nd, "President Xi's speech at the 100th anniversary ceremony is significantly different from former President Hu Jintao's 90th anniversary speech and former President Jiang Zemin's 80th anniversary speech," adding, "He displayed confidence on international issues and the Taiwan issue while showing a different interpretation of One Country, Two Systems."

Lau noted that in the past, "national security protection" related to the two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau was rarely mentioned, but President Xi emphasized comprehensive central government management over the two special administrative regions. This suggests that, from China's perspective, the Hong Kong issue is increasingly seen as a complex international matter.

He also analyzed that Xi's mention of the military's role in maintaining peace was something not seen during Hu Jintao's or Jiang Zemin's times, reflecting increased Western pressure on China. Lau summarized Xi's speech as a declaration domestically and internationally that "today's achievements are the combined results of the efforts of predecessors under Xi Jinping's leadership."

Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that President Xi set national security protection as Hong Kong's top priority and urged focus on related legislation.

SCMP stated, "The 'comprehensive management' mentioned by President Xi first appeared in the 2014 white paper by the Chinese State Council," explaining that this indicates the Chinese government's exercise of absolute authority over Hong Kong governance.

The Sino-British Joint Declaration signed in 1984 (Hong Kong Handover Agreement) contains the spirit of One Country, Two Systems, recognizing Hong Kong's autonomy in legislation, judiciary, administration, education, and other areas except foreign affairs and defense for 50 years after its return to China in 1997. However, President Xi stated that comprehensive authority would be exercised over the entire Hong Kong issue, not limited to foreign affairs and defense.

Although the Chinese government enacted the Hong Kong National Security Law (Hong Kong Security Law) last year, it has also urged the Hong Kong government to independently enact its own security law. The Hong Kong Security Law allows for the death penalty or life imprisonment for four crimes: secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces.

Johnny Lau Siu-kai, Vice Chairman of the China Hong Kong Macau Research Association, explained, "President Xi urged the enactment of Hong Kong's own security law covering other offenses not included in the current Hong Kong Security Law."

Article 23 of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, stipulates imprisonment of up to 30 years for treason, secession, incitement to riot, subversion, theft of state secrets, and mandates legislation related to these. It also prohibits foreign political organizations from conducting political activities in Hong Kong or Hong Kong political groups from associating with foreign political organizations.

The Hong Kong government attempted to enact the Hong Kong Security Law based on Article 23 in 2003, but canceled the bill after 500,000 Hong Kong citizens took to the streets in protest.

Experts also noted President Xi's emphasis on the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" and his mention of "peaceful reunification of Taiwan" and the "1992 Consensus" (an agreement recognizing one China while allowing each side to use its own name).

Professor Lin Ying-yu of Taiwan's Chung Cheng University said, "Mentioning peaceful reunification and the 1992 Consensus leaves room for improvement in cross-strait relations," contrasting it with last year's public discussions by mainland Chinese Taiwan experts about military unification.

Commentator Lau believes that although President Xi strongly addressed the Taiwan issue, war between the two sides is unlikely in the near term.

He said, "Localized clashes or conflicts may occur more frequently, but war or large-scale military conflict requires much calculation and cannot be started blindly. President Xi is rational and pragmatic." He added, "China must also consider international responses. Even if other countries do not intervene militarily, if a 'financial war' breaks out and China's overseas funds are frozen, it would be a huge blow. The current strategy is to maintain political tension."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.