Xi warns HK, Macau in ‘one China’ message

Macau, December 20

Chinese President Xi Jinping today warned Hong Kong and Macau to remember they are part of “one China”, as pro-democracy campaigners in both semi-autonomous territories call for free leadership elections.

Dozens of protesters marched through Macau’s historic centre this afternoon as Xi wrapped up his two-day visit, just days after police cleared the last remaining protest sites in neighbouring Hong Kong.

Residents of all ages walked in the middle of the road through the historic district shouting: “We want universal suffrage” through megaphones, some wrapped in banners and others with slogans painted across their faces.

“I am uncertain abut Macau’s future, so we have to come out to make noise for ourselves,” said Mark Pang, a 15-year-old high school student who held up an open yellow umbrella—the symbol of the Hong Kong democracy movement.

Xi warned both territories today against a “misguided approach”. “We must both adhere to the ‘one China’ principle and respect the difference of the two systems,” Xi said. — AFP