25th anniversary of return to China: Hong Kong’s new prime minister sworn in

China celebrated the 25th anniversary of the return of Hong Kong – with the new head of government John Lee, President Xi has now sworn in a particularly loyal follower. There is less and less room for criticism in Hong Kong.

It was an anniversary to Beijing’s taste: undisturbed by demonstrations, China’s President Xi Jinping and his followers in Hong Kong celebrated the 25th anniversary of the return of the former British crown colony to China. For the second year in a row, the honor guard marched at the flag ceremony not in the British manner, but in the goose-step of Chinese soldiers.

Hong Kong’s democracy movement, on the other hand, again had nothing to celebrate. A protest march, as it used to be on July 1st, was out of the question. The authorities had urgently warned against gatherings. Police officers patrolled large parts of the city center. Since its return to China on July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was supposed to be governed under the “one country, two systems” principle. At that time, Hong Kongers were also promised that they would be able to enjoy a “high degree of autonomy” and many political freedoms until 2047.

Democracy movement brutally suppressed

But after pro-democracy protests began in 2019, the communist leadership in Beijing restricted numerous freedoms and introduced a controversial national security law. More patriotic curricula were introduced in schools. The city’s transformation has all but silenced opposition voices and prompted many to turn their backs on Hong Kong.

How satisfied Xi is with the result was made clear in his speech, in which he reaffirmed his adherence to the “one country, two systems” principle. It is “such a good system” that there is “no reason at all” to change it. The principle must also be adhered to in the “long term”. Xi said everything China has done to deal with the former British colony is “for Hong Kong’s benefit.”

Loyal follower sworn in as head of government

John Lee, whom he sworn in as the new head of government during the celebrations, fits perfectly into Xi Jinping’s image of a stable Hong Kong. The city’s former security chief is considered a loyal follower of Beijing.

The security law and “improvements” in the electoral system have taken Hong Kong “from chaos to prosperity,” Lee said in his inaugural speech. He vowed to further advance the city’s integration with mainland China.

Sharp criticism from the USA and Great Britain

On the occasion of the anniversary, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lamented an “erosion of autonomy” in Hong Kong. It is now clear that those responsible in Hong Kong and Beijing no longer see “democratic participation, fundamental freedoms and independent media” as part of the “one country, two systems” principle.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised: “We will not give up Hong Kong.” He also complained that China had not been adhering to the “one country, two systems” principle “for a while”.