John Lee, the city leader of Hong Kong, announced on Monday that China will present the city with a pair of giant pandas to commemorate the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong‘s return to Chinese control.
The pandas are anticipated to arrive within the next few months, marking a significant milestone since the city’s handover from British rule in 1997. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, Hong Kong was assured a high degree of autonomy and the maintenance of crucial freedoms following its transfer to China.
In a public statement, John emphasized that this gesture “fully demonstrates (China’s) care and support for our city” and fulfils a “constitutional responsibility and historic mission.” He also commended Article 23, a locally developed security law that coexists with a national security law implemented by Beijing in 2020.
Lee claimed that his policies have led to a “substantial rise in the registered number of property transactions and a stable property market.” He further added that the city’s GDP can surpass the previous year’s 3.3% growth and may reach 2.5% to 3.5% this year.
In the past, July 1 was traditionally a day marked by civil society demonstrations throughout Hong Kong. However, these pro-democracy protests, which sometimes turned violent, were suppressed by the authorities. The South China Morning Post reported that the city deployed more than 4,000 police officers on Monday.
The pandas are anticipated to arrive within the next few months, marking a significant milestone since the city’s handover from British rule in 1997. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, Hong Kong was assured a high degree of autonomy and the maintenance of crucial freedoms following its transfer to China.
In a public statement, John emphasized that this gesture “fully demonstrates (China’s) care and support for our city” and fulfils a “constitutional responsibility and historic mission.” He also commended Article 23, a locally developed security law that coexists with a national security law implemented by Beijing in 2020.
Lee claimed that his policies have led to a “substantial rise in the registered number of property transactions and a stable property market.” He further added that the city’s GDP can surpass the previous year’s 3.3% growth and may reach 2.5% to 3.5% this year.
In the past, July 1 was traditionally a day marked by civil society demonstrations throughout Hong Kong. However, these pro-democracy protests, which sometimes turned violent, were suppressed by the authorities. The South China Morning Post reported that the city deployed more than 4,000 police officers on Monday.
