Xi Vows To Uphold One Country, Two Systems In HK

President Xi Jinping vowed on Monday to uphold the "One Country, Two Systems" principle in Hong Kong, despite the months of pro-democracy protests in the SAR.

Speaking at a reception in Beijing the night before celebrations to mark the People's Republic of China's 70th anniversary, Xi said the country would "continue to fully and faithfully implement the principles of 'One Country, Two Systems'" and a "high degree of autonomy."

"We are confident that with the full backing of the motherland and the concerted efforts of our fellow Chinese in Hong Kong and Macau who love the motherland... (Hong Kong) will prosper and progress alongside the mainland," Xi said.

Beijing is preparing for a highly-choreographed anniversary celebration on October 1, including a huge military parade and anniversary gala.

The Communist Party has been positioning the event as a triumphant celebration of the mainland's economic growth over the last seven decades, as well as emphasising the importance of a unified territory and nationalism.

"Unity is iron and steel. Unity is a source of strength," Xi said in his speech.

He also referred to Taiwan, saying "The complete reunification of the motherland is an inevitable trend... no one and no force can ever stop it." (AFP)