HK cannot afford to be torn apart by internal rift: Xi

Hong Kong cannot afford to be torn apart by reckless moves or internal rift amid the intense global competition, President Xi Jinping warned Saturday. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at a welcome dinner hosted by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in Hong Kong, south China, June 30, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

Hong Kong is a plural society with "different views and even major differences on some specific issues," he acknowledged. 

However, "making everything political or deliberately creating differences and provoking confrontation will not resolve the problems," Xi said. "On the contrary, it can only severely hinder Hong Kong's economic and social development." 

"Hong Kong is an affluent society, but it also faces enormous challenges posed by profound changes in the global economic environment and the increasingly intense international competition," he said.

Xi sounded the caution when attending a gathering here celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland, and the inaugural ceremony of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

"It is imperative to always maintain a harmonious and stable social environment," he said, noting that "harmony brings good fortune, while discord leads to misfortune." 

The concept of "one country, two systems" gives expression to the vision of peace and harmony in the Chinese culture and it embodies a very important tenet, namely, seeking broad common ground while setting aside major differences, Xi said.

"On the part of the central government, we are ready to talk to anyone who loves the country, loves Hong Kong and genuinely supports the principle of 'one country, two systems' and the Basic Law of the HKSAR, no matter what political views or position he or she may hold."