President Xi Jinping (習近平) pledged to uphold the “one country, two systems” principle while acknowledging recent controversies over the unique formula for governing Hong Kong as he met the city’s leader in Beijing yesterday – but an unprecedented seating change made it clearer than ever that one country comes before two systems.
During his talk with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying, who was on a duty visit to the capital, Xi noted “new circumstances” had arisen regarding one country, two systems, both in Hong Kong and in the international community. Xi promised the central government would be steadfast and unshaken in its commitment to the policy and “make sure its implementation does not get distorted”.
READ MORE: Xi shows who’s boss: Hong Kong’s Leung Chun-ying knocked off his perch to smaller seat
But Beijing’s usual assurances took a back seat to a highly significant new arrangement that was unveiled at the photo calls when Leung met the nation’s leaders – something that was not lost on China-watchers keenly following the meetings in the capital.
In their separate talks with Leung, Xi and Premier Li Keqiang (李克強) were seated at the head of a long conference table, with Leung placed at one side next to Wang Guangya (王光亞), director of the State Council’s Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO).
The new arrangement stood in stark contrast to previous protocol under which the chief executive would always sit side by side with state leaders, giving the impression of equal footing.
Leung himself later acknowledged the significance of the changed seating arrangement, saying it “reflects the constitutional position of Hong Kong and the central authorities”. The HKMAO declared it would make such duty visits “more regulated and solemn”.
Lawmaker Wong Kwok-kin of the pro-Beijing Federation of Trade Unions put it a little more bluntly.
“It has highlighted ... the subordinate role [of Hong Kong],” he said. “Beijing did not stress its role in the early years after the handover to avoid scaring off Hongkongers, but the central government has changed its policy in the wake of the Occupy protests and the failed political reform.”
Democratic Party leader Emily Lau Wai-hing said the new seating protocol was unnecessary and degrading, serving only to add to existing fears about the future of one country, two systems.
“People would only have a stronger impression that Leung has failed to uphold the city’s high degree of autonomy,” she said.
The change in the seating arrangement was noted by other top mainland officials.
Meeting Leung a day after his talks with Xi, He Lifeng, deputy director of China's top economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, said during the brief photo call for the media: "I noticed the seating was different ... from the television."
He is one of the trusted officials of Xi who hailed from Fujian, the coastal province where the president himself spent more than 17 years.
Leung said he was visiting the commission to seek advice on how Hong Kong could play a role in China's "One Belt One Road" initiative and the 13th five-year plan.
"If there are opportunities out there, Hong Kong can go out with mainland enterprises together," Leung told the official.
Leung will return to Hong Kong this afternoon.
Xi also identified “key missions” for Hong Kong: pursuing development; safeguarding stability; and promoting harmony. He urged Leung’s government to unite in all walks of life, while Li urged Hong Kong to seize economic opportunities offered by the nation’s 13th five-year plan.
Both the president and premier stressed the need to capitalise on Beijing’s “One Belt, One Road” economic development strategy. They also praised Leung and his government for boosting Hong Kong’s economic development, improving people’s livelihood and advancing the city’s political system.
While every public endorsement of Leung’s leadership by state leaders adds to speculation he will run for a second term, he remained evasive yesterday, telling reporters that his re-election “is not my consideration today”.
