Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted on Wednesday the importance of integrating Macau and Hong Kong into the overall national development framework, describing the long-term prosperity and stability of the two special administrative regions as an inherent requirement for the full rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a ceremony celebrating the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, assured that the country will continue to promote the economic and social development of both cities.
To achieve this, the state leader emphasised that the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong”, “Macau people administering Macau”, and a high degree of autonomy must be fully implemented alongside the framework of “patriots administering both cities” to enhance local governance efficiency.
During the central event, which also included a ceremony awarding the 1st of July Medal to eight party members for exceptional contributions to rural revitalisation, healthcare, the military, scientific research, and agriculture, Xi turned to cross-strait relations. He reiterated that “resolving the Taiwan question and achieving the complete reunification remains an unswerving historical mission of the party and a shared aspiration of the Chinese people”, calling for continued adherence to the “one China” principle and the “1992 Consensus” while firmly opposing external interference and separatist forces.
Xi also underscored the importance of a “strong military”. “We must advance the modernisation of national defence and the armed forces,” Xi told party members.
The CPC also has to “resolutely wage the critical, protracted, and comprehensive battle against corruption”, he added.
Founded on 1 July 1921, the CPC had more than 101 million members as of late 2025, according to state news agency Xinhua.